John Georgiadis started playing the violin at the age of six, which led to a career as a professional violinist culminating in his appointment as leader (concertmaster), first with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, then with the London Symphony Orchestra at the age of 26, a position he held for 14 years. He was a founder member of the London Virtuosi Chamber Ensemble and Orchestra, and also played as first violin in the celebrated Gabrieli String Quartet. His interest in conducting began during the mid-1970s, and he studied for eight years under the legendary conductor and teacher Sergiu Celibidache.

Georgiadis has conducted concerts with many British orchestras, and established the Viennese-style New Year’s concert in London which he conducted for 40 consecutive years until 2015. These performances, both in London and with the Oxford Philharmonic, were well known for their varied repertoire. A specialist in Viennese music, his discography includes recordings of Strauss family music with top British and foreign orchestras released on record labels worldwide, including Naxos. He is a longstanding honorary member of The Johann Strauss Society of Great Britain.