Atharv is a young conductor, composer, trombonist, and pianist. His musical journey began at age 5 with Redbridge's Young Music Makers programme but it was during the lockdown at age 10 that he discovered a deep passion for classical music. In 2021, Atharv joined Essex Music Services, playing with several ensembles, including the Essex Youth Orchestra, where he plays Bass Trombone. He also attends Trinity Laban School of Music's junior department, studying Conducting and Composition with Darren Bloom and Trombone with Jonathan Watkins.
A significant milestone came in 2023, when Atharv won the BBC Young Composer Award, leading to a yearlong mentorship programme and the premiere of his prize commission by the BBC Concert Orchestra at the BBC Proms. He was also named an ORA Singers Young Composer for 2024, culminating in the premiere of a choral work he wrote at Worcester Cathedral as part of the Three Choirs Festival. More recently, he won a highly commended in the Royal Holloway Composition Competition 2026 for his piece Clair de Lune, of which he conducted the premiere at Junior Trinity's Summer Concert 2026.
In 2023, Atharv made his conducting debut in a masterclass with Robin Browning, after which he became the inaugural assistant conductor of the Essex Young Person's Orchestra until Summer 2025, working under the guidance of Matthew Andrews. This winter, Atharv began in his new role as the assistant conductor of the Essex Youth Orchestra.
Outside of music, Atharv enjoys debating, quizzing, and playing table tennis with the Chelmsford Table Tennis Club. He also has a keen interest in physics.
