Renowned Australian conductor Benjamin Northey will continue in his role as Principal Conductor-in-Residence for Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for another two years.
“Our announcement of the renewal of Maestro Northey’s contract comes at a very exciting time for the MSO,” said MSO Managing Director Sophie Galaise. “Building on the recent announcement of our new Chief Conductor, Maestro Jaime Martín starting officially with us in 2022, today’s announcement provides the MSO with a world-class and dynamic artistic leadership team.”
“Ben’s long association with MSO dates back to 2003 when he made his professional debut conducting the Orchestra in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Since then, he has been instrumental in the MSO’s ongoing success and has established himself as a highly trusted creative ally and musical mentor for musicians, composers and audiences alike.”
“We are grateful for Ben’s generous spirit and willingness to share his deep musical knowledge and passion. These qualities have endeared him to thousands of music lovers and provided a much-respected artistic voice at the MSO.” said Ms Galaise.
Known for his ability to command an audience on stage, and off, Northey leads the MSO through several programs at Hamer Hall, Melbourne Town Hall, across Victoria and internationally. Northey also hosts the popular Up Late with Ben Northey online series which has built a very loyal following since starting in 2020.
Northey said the decision to renew his contract was one of the easiest he’s had to make. “While I’ve conducted orchestras around the globe, Melbourne remains my spiritual home and the MSO my extended family,” he said.
“Since my early days growing up in Ballarat to international appearances with the likes of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, I have remained a proud Victorian, committed to sharing the power and magic of orchestral music with our wonderful audiences.”
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work alongside our musicians, the management team and our brilliant new Chief Conductor Jaime Martín as the MSO seeks to navigate a pathway through this challenging time for the arts,” said Mr Northey.
Maestro Northey is a passionate supporter of Australian orchestral music and has premiered numerous major new works. He was appointed Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in 2015 and was awarded Limelight Magazine’s Australian Artist of the Year in 2018.
Watch Maestro Northey with the MSO on MSO.LIVE, on YouTube and on stage with the MSO when venues reopen. For more information, visit: www.mso.com.au for details.
Image: Benjamin Northey – photo by Julian Kingma