Oliver-John Ruthven began his musical career as a chorister at Westminster Abbey. He has been Music Director of Hampstead Garden Opera since 2008, leading the company in a range of repertoire spanning over 400 years, from Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo (1609) to Jonathan Dove’s Mansfield Park (2011).

After completing a year as keyboards apprentice to the Monteverdi Choir under Sir John Eliot Gardiner, he has performed and recorded in the UK, Europe and the USA as harpsichordist of the English Baroque Soloists.

He has previously held positions as cover conductor to the Royal Ballet and Acting Director of the Halle Youth Choir. Oliver-John is in demand as a continuo player, and is harpsichordist for Musica Poetica London. He has worked with Sir Mark Elder, Christophe Rousset, and Jonathan Dove. He studies harpsichord with James Johnstone.