The Australian Ballet has appointed Jonathan Lo as its new Music Director. The Hong Kong-born British conductor will replace Nicolette Fraillon, who will leave the company this month after an almost 20-year tenure.

Lo is the current Music Director of Northern Ballet and Staff Conductor for The Royal Ballet. A graduate of the University of Oxford, he read music before going on to study conducting at the Royal College of Music, graduating with distinction. He began his career as a ballet conductor at the Birmingham Royal Ballet. After guest conducting with The Australian Ballet during its Melbourne season of Romeo and Juliet, he will commence his new role on 16 January, 2023.

David Hallberg and Jonathan Lo

David Hallberg, Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, with the company’s new Music Director, Jonathan Lo. Photo © Kate Longley

West Australian Symphony Orchestra has extended its partnership with Israeli conductor and pianist Asher Fisch until 2025. This will make Fisch the longest-serving Principal Conductor for WASO. Fisch is also the orchestra’s Artistic Adviser.

Melbourne Theatre Company’s Executive Director & Co-CEO, Virginia Lovett, is to leave the company after 10 years to take...