Ben Northey appointed Sydney Symphony Orchestra's Conductor in Residence

Northey also serves as Principal Conductor in Residence of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

In his new role with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO), in Sydney, Australia, conductor Ben Northey will lead the ensemble's Regional Tour, conduct multiple Sydney performances, and run the inaugural Teachers Conducting Masterclass for Australian music teachers.

He made his debut with the SSO in 2001 as a competitor in the Symphony Australia Conductor Development Program.

He is already set to appear with the orchestra several times this year, including the Sydney Symphony Under the Stars free performance, presented by the Sydney Festival on January 18.

“I can’t wait to work with the musicians of the orchestra more regularly – I’m really excited about that – but really, this is about connection. This is about connection with people. I want to share my passion for classical music, for orchestral music; I want to celebrate great Australian music and musicians. I want to remind everyone, if they don’t know already, that this is such a wonderful thing for Australians to be proud of, our achievements as a musical nation.”

Northey currently serves as the Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the Principal Conductor in Residence of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. He has also served as Principal Guest Conductor of the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, and Resident Guest Conductor of the Australia Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra.

Last year, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra announced that Northey would also take on the position of Artistic Advisor for Learning and Engagement.

A graduate of Finland’s Sibelius Academy and the Stockholm Royal College of Music, Northey was one of only three conductors worldwide to participate in the Allianz International Conductor’s Academy where he was mentored by Vladimir Jurowsky from the London Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Christof von Dohnányi.

His accolades include the Symphony Australia Young Conductor of the Year, the Melbourne Prize Outstanding Musician’s Award, and the Brian Stacey Memorial Scholarship.

He has made international appearances with the London and Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestras, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Hong Kong and Malaysian Philharmonics, and the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, among others.