Leslie Olive, founder and artistic director of The English Arts Chorale and The Music Trust, is a choir trainer, conductor, composer, arranger, educator, and writer on music, as well as a powerful advocate for music.

Born in Wales, he grew up in Surrey, studying music at Reigate Grammar School. He studied music at Reading University and conducting at The Royal Academy of Music. As a young teacher he founded and directed one of Kent's most successful youth choirs. Director of Music at Reigate Parish Church from 1980, he was later invited by the BBC to become the first music director of Radio 4's new-style Daily Service, where he directed numerous broadcasts.

At his heart is a passionate desire to share music with the whole world. For over twenty-five years he has pursued that vision, through the English Arts Chorale and Reigate Summer Music, and also by work with children and senior citizens and pioneering the INROAD choral courses for beginners. He has conducted The Philharmonia Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, The London Mozart Players, and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, and a range of choirs.

And in pursuit of that vision, The Music Trust aims not merely at artistic excellence, but also at sharing the wonders of great music with as many people as possible.

When Les is not making music he is usually in a boat or talking about sailing.