Birmingham Royal Ballet Appoints New Music Director

Paul Murphy, who has been the company's Principal Conductor since 1997, will succeed Koen Kessels in the role

The Birmingham Royal Ballet has promoted Paul Murphy to the role of Music Director. Murphy has been the company's Principal Conductor since 1997 and will retain that title alongside his new position. He succeeds Koen Kessels and will begin his tenure on July 1, 2024.

Murphy studied conducting with Colin Metters, John Carewe, George Hurst, and Sir Colin Davis at London's Royal Academy of Music.

Murphy has led ensembles including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hallé, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the Ulster Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Orchestra of Opera North, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Manchester Camerata.

He has been a regular guest conductor for the Royal Ballet Covent Garden since 1994.

Murphy first joined the Birmingham Royal Ballet in 1992, and became its principal conductor in 1997. During his tenure, Murphy has played a central role in the establishment of the company's Constant Lambert Conducting Fellowship, which provides training for young ballet conductors.

"I couldn’t be happier for Paul," said Carlos Acosta, the Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet. "His unfailing energy and enthusiasm has been a source of inspiration to me, all of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia players, our dancers and the Company as a whole. While we are sad to see Koen leave, Paul is his natural successor and his appointment could not be more well deserved."

"I am thrilled and honored to accept the position of Music Director and Principal Conductor of Birmingham Royal Ballet," Murphy said. "I look forward to working alongside Carlos Acosta and Caroline Miller to build a strong and secure future for the wonderful Royal Ballet Sinfonia, expanding our partnerships and developing the hugely successful Constant Lambert Conducting Fellowship."