Caroline Hobbs-Smith

South African-born Caroline Hobbs-Smith is an accomplished conductor with a passion for inspiring musicians through orchestral playing. Her commitment to musical excellence and collaborative spirit has led to a broad experience across genres, from chamber to large symphonic repertoire and from Baroque to Contemporary and Film music.

Following a Masters at the Royal College of Music in London, Caroline returned to South Africa, freelancing as a flautist with the National Symphony Orchestra while also establishing the National School of the Arts Orchestra - the first truly integrated orchestra in a newly emerging democratic South Africa.

Since returning to the UK in 1998, Caroline has built a reputation as a conductor and keen advocate for youth music. As conductor of the Oxfordshire Schools’ Symphony Orchestra for 14 years, she performed regularly in Oxford as well as touring extensively across Europe.

Invitations have also included the Jersey Academy Orchestra, the Birmingham Schools’ Symphony Orchestra, the All Saints’ Singers Sutton Courtenay, and the Festival Chorus and Orchestra for the MAO Arvo Pärt Festival 2023 in Oxford.

Caroline currently works regularly with the National Children’s Orchestras of GB and the Kent County Youth Orchestra, and is the Musical Director and Conductor of the Thames Vale Youth Orchestra. She has also held the position of Principal Conductor with the Isis Chamber Orchestra for the past two years and has greatly enjoyed leading the ensemble through a diverse and challenging range of repertoire.

Caroline is delighted to be conducting the St Giles Orchestra in their upcoming July 2026 performance.