We're excited to introduce the BOPMS conductors for 2026!
Michael Joel - Orchestra Conductor
New Zealand-born conductor Michael Joel studied at Otago University and with conductors Heinz Wallberg, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Jac van Steen, and at the Dartington International Summer School.
Equally at home in the orchestra, choral and operatic repertoire, Michael has conducted extensively throughout New Zealand and, since relocating to London in early 2014, at The Royal Opera House, assisting Antonio Pappano, Alexander Joel, Dan Ettinger, Placido Domingo, Oleg Caetani and Mark Minkowski.
He has conducted many of the established orchestras and companies in New Zealand – Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, Opera Otago, the City of Dunedin Choir, NZSO National Youth Orchestra and, prior to relocating to London, principals and members of the NZSO and NZ String Quartet in a critically acclaimed performance of Mahler’s 4th Symphony.
Michael was up until recently, Music Director of St Matthews Chamber Orchestra and has worked on the music staff of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden as duty conductor on productions of Tosca, La Bohème, La Traviata and, most recently, Carmen. He also assisted with the music preparation and children’s chorus for La Bohème and Carmen. He conducted pianist, Pascal Rogé in Saint-Saëns 2nd Piano Concerto with the Lakeland Sinfonia in the UK to great acclaim.
Michael is also an accomplished violist and teacher, who recently returned to NZ.
Equally at home in the orchestra, choral and operatic repertoire, Michael has conducted extensively throughout New Zealand and, since relocating to London in early 2014, at The Royal Opera House, assisting Antonio Pappano, Alexander Joel, Dan Ettinger, Placido Domingo, Oleg Caetani and Mark Minkowski.
He has conducted many of the established orchestras and companies in New Zealand – Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, Opera Otago, the City of Dunedin Choir, NZSO National Youth Orchestra and, prior to relocating to London, principals and members of the NZSO and NZ String Quartet in a critically acclaimed performance of Mahler’s 4th Symphony.
Michael was up until recently, Music Director of St Matthews Chamber Orchestra and has worked on the music staff of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden as duty conductor on productions of Tosca, La Bohème, La Traviata and, most recently, Carmen. He also assisted with the music preparation and children’s chorus for La Bohème and Carmen. He conducted pianist, Pascal Rogé in Saint-Saëns 2nd Piano Concerto with the Lakeland Sinfonia in the UK to great acclaim.
Michael is also an accomplished violist and teacher, who recently returned to NZ.
A huge BOPMS congrats to our much-loved Lauren McMillan who is no longer able to conduct Wind Band this year as she'll be busy looking after her newborn bubba! We send love and well wishes as their family becomes a trio and are excited to welcome Charlie Bi with Lauren's highest recommendations!
Charlie Bi - Wind Band Conductor
Born in Qingdao, China, Charlie immigrated to Aotearoa at the age of eight. He began learning the clarinet and saxophone at age eleven. Charlie holds a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biology and Psychology, and is currently based in Tāmaki Makaurau, where he is Head of Music of Liston College. He currently serves as the Musical Director of the West City Youth Concert Band, which he recently led to a Gold Award at the 2025 New Zealand Concert Band Association Festival in Wellington. Charlie is also a member of the Auckland Saxophone Ensemble. He is passionate about education and inspiring young musicians, fostering their love for music and helping them discover the joy of performance and collaboration. In his sparetime, he enjoys watching movies, hiking around the motu, and trying new recipes.
Christine Argyle - Choir Conductor
Christine is a foundation member of Voices NZ chamber choir and has been a member of the ensemble for over 25 years, touring with the choir to Europe, the UK, Singapore, Argentina and Australia. Other choral experience includes performing with the NZ National Youth Choir, London Symphony Chorus, Auckland Opera Chorus,
The Tudor Consort and Inspirare. Christine has an LTCL diploma in singing, a BA in
Languages and Music, and studied conducting at Auckland University with Dr Karen Grylls and Uwe Grodd. As well as founding Nota Bene chamber choir in 2004, she formed the Wellington Young Voices children’s choir in 2012. Christine has been Chief Executive of the NZ Choral Federation since 2018. Prior to going into arts management, Christine enjoyed an 18-year broadcasting career with RNZ Concert, including hosting the first year of the network’s Upbeat music news
programme.
The Tudor Consort and Inspirare. Christine has an LTCL diploma in singing, a BA in
Languages and Music, and studied conducting at Auckland University with Dr Karen Grylls and Uwe Grodd. As well as founding Nota Bene chamber choir in 2004, she formed the Wellington Young Voices children’s choir in 2012. Christine has been Chief Executive of the NZ Choral Federation since 2018. Prior to going into arts management, Christine enjoyed an 18-year broadcasting career with RNZ Concert, including hosting the first year of the network’s Upbeat music news
programme.