River’s approach to conducting has been shaped by experiences performing as a violinist in ensembles such as the Hallé Youth Orchestra and Amadeus Orchestra. In his tenures as a conductor, he encouraged further engagements with local communities – collaborating with schools and charities to promote music education for all through newly founded initiatives.

River moved into Sheffield in September 2022 for his role as the Director of Music with Sheffield Youth Orchestra. Since then, he has produced a popular series of one day community orchestral projects – bringing together musicians from all ages and backgrounds in Sheffield. They attract 100+ musicians whilst still being free and accessible for all. The community days have received national recognition by Making Music and was shortlisted for Best New Project in September 2024.

River has collaborated and depped with local organisations such as Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra, Sheffield Symphony Orchestra, Rotherham Symphony Orchestra, Silver Spectrum Wind Band, Chesterfield Music Service, Classical Sheffield, Hallam Choral Society, Stannington Mixed Choir, Waldershelf Singers and Vivacity Choir. In January 2023, he creatively forged an international collaboration in Manchester with Sheffield Youth Orchestra and the Scotch College Australian Youth Orchestra.

In March 2024, River became the Director of Music with Chesterfield Symphony Orchestra where his aim is to nurture exciting music-making opportunities for all across the Chesterfield region.

Following this, he was appointed Director of Music with Sheffield’s Endcliffe Orchestra - further embedding his influence in the Classical Sheffield music scene.

River is a frequent participant in various conducting courses across the UK – learning from leading practitioners and passing on their expertise to the musicians he works with. This includes RNCM (Short Course for Music Educators), London Musical Arts, Cardiff International Academy Conducting Courses and most recently, St Andrews’ Advanced Conducting Course attracting international applicants.