Ammal Bhatia

Ammal Bhatia is a conductor, violinist, violist and recent graduate from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. Ammal has learnt privately with Peter Stark and trained as a violinist with Steve Wilkie. Recent highlights include conducting for Classic FM, being accepted as a finalist for the second International Lake Como Conducting Competition, performing two world premieres, and working with astonishing guest artists such as award-winning violinist Magdalena Reidl. Ammal established his own orchestra in May 2021, and is the Artistic Director and Founder of the Carme Ensemble. This project-by-project orchestra based in Manchester has received high praise and multiple awards. Ammal is currently Principal Conductor of the Potter’s Bar Symphony Orchestra, and a frequent guest conductor with youth, amateur and semi-professional groups around the UK. Ammal has attended numerous courses with Peter Stark as well as receiving world class tuition from Mark Heron, Clark Rundell, Ben Gernon and Manoj Kamps. I have been privileged to observe Sir Mark Elder, Antony Hermus, Henk Guittart and Martin Brabbins. Just at home in the studio as well as the concert hall, Ammal has recorded with multiple groups, including the Carme Ensemble. Ammal is experienced in classical, film and opera recording. Ammal has performed with numerous professional ensembles as a violinist, including the Hallé, Manchester Collective, Manchester Camerata and the Chineke! Foundation. He often performs recitals in Manchester and St Albans. Ammal is an in-demand chamber musician and is a member of the Franco-Mendes Quartet who are currently enjoying their second year as ensemble-in-residence at Enys House. As of 2023, Ammal has been co-director of the recently established Enys Chamber Music Fesitval. The Quartet and Ammal has received world class tuition from Petr Prause, Donald Grant, Jeremy Young, Henk Guittart, Trio Karenine, Trio Gaspard, Elias Quartet, Piatti Quartet and the Chilingirian Quartet. As a session musician, Ammal has been privileged to have worked with many notable groups including Northern Film Orchestra and the Untold Orchestra. He regularly collaborates with many solo artists and bands across the country. Ammal is also a seasoned events musicians and is available for weddings, parties, corporate events and has performed with Fever events for a number of years.Ammal has established a thriving and in-demand teaching practice, with students ranging from 6-18, he is a versatile teacher. He currently teaches privately and with Hertfordshire Music Service.