Derek Williams grew up in Nottingham studying the violin from an early age. He became a member of the National Youth Orchestra and made his debut as a soloist with the Nottinghamshire County Youth Orchestra playing the Sibelius Concerto. His interest in conducting began during a successful period in Bedford when he studied with several teachers before returning to Nottingham in 1983 when he was appointed conductor of the Nottingham Symphony Orchestra. In 1985 Derek co-founded the Nottingham Youth Orchestra, with whom he has since toured extensively throughout Europe and appeared on TV and radio.

The 2003/04 concert season marked Derek's twentieth as conductor with Nottingham Symphony Orchestra and in November 2003 this highly successful partnership was marked with a sell-out concert at the Albert Hall, Nottingham. (The audience of over 800 was a record for any event staged at the Hall.) The Orchestra were delighted to welcome internationally renowned violinist Dong Suk Kang who played the Sibelius Violin Concerto. To read the Nottingham Evening Post's review click here.