David Whelton was born in 1954 and trained as a pianist and organist. Following an early career in education, David joined Yorkshire Arts Association and subsequently Leeds City Council, prior to moving to the music department at the Arts Council of Great Britain. In 1988 he was appointed Managing Director of the Philharmonia Orchestra.

During David Whelton’s tenure at the Philharmonia, the Orchestra has become an indispensable part of British and international musical life, redefining its role for the 21st Century as well as reconnecting with its historic past. The Orchestra has established new relationships with many of the great conductors who have shaped its musical history, and has also initiated and developed the concept of orchestral residencies and pioneered the use of digital technology to reach new audiences; the Philharmonia Orchestra is recognised today as the leader in this work within the UK.

David was a member of the jury of the 2001 Besançon Conducting Competition, Chairman of the 2005 and 2009 Leeds Conducting competitions, and is a trustee of IMS Prussia Cove, MVAT, the Philharmonia Trust, the Richard Hickox Foundation, and the Hattori Foundation. In his limited spare time he plays the piano and cuts down trees.