Australia's Canberra International Music Festival Names New Artistic Director

Percussionist, composer, and conductor Eugene Ughetti will step into the role

Eugene Ughetti will become the Canberra International Music Festival new Artistic Director for an initial term of three years in July of 2024 —succeeding Roland Peel, who served a tenure of nine years.

A composer, percussionist, and conductor, Ughetti's main focus is on contemporary chamber music and interdisciplinary arts. He is presently the Artistic Director of Speak Percussion, a Australian ensemble renowned for its experimental approach to new music.

As a soloist, Ughetti has appeared with the Melbourne Symphony, the Victorian College of the Arts Orchestras, and the Australian Ballet. He has also been an ABC Young Composer and an ABC Young Artist.

Ughetti won the 2011 Freedman Classical Fellowship and was also the inaugural recipient of the Sydney Myer Creative Fellowship in 2012.

"I am thrilled to embark on this wonderful journey," said Ughetti. "CIMF stands as one of Australia’s most distinguished art music festivals, set against the backdrop of world-class institutions, remarkable architecture and breathtaking sites."

"It boasts a rich legacy of excellence and innovation, having been a catalyst for numerous new Australian compositions. All of this unfolds within the vibrant context of a progressive and intellectually driven city."

"Curating projects and fostering collaborations involving the finest local, national, and international musicians is an extraordinary privilege. I eagerly anticipate immersing myself in the numerous possibilities, exploring points of collaboration, and nurturing the creative potential that CIMF offers."