Matthew Beale has been appointed as Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ new Executive Director. With postgraduate qualifications in vocal studies from both the Royal College of Music and London’s National Opera Studio, Beale brings over 30 years of classical music industry experience to the role. A former operatic tenor, he was previously the Chief Executive of the 18-voice, UK-based professional choir ORA Singers.

Brett Weymark, Matthew Beale and Elizabeth Scott outside the Choir's offices in Walsh Bay.

Brett Weymark, Matthew Beale and Elizabeth Scott. Photo © Keith Saunders.

Having worked as the interim Executive Director at Melbourne Chamber Orchestra for several months, Adele Schonhardt has now been appointed to the role. She joins MCO fresh from the Australian Digital Concert Hall, which she and Chris Howlett established to support musicians through the pandemic.

Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Leanne Benjamin has announced that James Barton will join the Artistic Team as Ballet Master. A dancer at Birmingham Royal Ballet from 2006 to 2019, he joined Scottish Ballet as Assistant Rehearsal Director in November 2019 and takes up the role at QB on 9 September.