The Australian Youth Orchestra celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and has appointed Kimbali Harding as its new Chief Executive Officer. Harding is a concert pianist, conductor, educator and former Director of Education at Musica Viva Australia, where she implemented the organisation’s digital education program, helping connect professional musicians with more than 300,000 children in schools.  

Brad Cohen will join New Zealand Opera as its new General Director in June. Cohen is a conductor, musician and publisher, who grew up in Sydney before studying at Oxford University, the Royal College of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music. Cohen has conducted a wide repertoire at the English National Opera, New York City Opera and Opera Australia, and was Artistic Director of West Australian Opera between 2015 and 2018.

Ken Markwell

Ken Markwell. Photo courtesy of Bangarra Dance Theatre

Proud Mununjhali man Ken Markwell has joined Bangarra Dance Theatre as its new Executive Director. A respected Indigenous leader, Markwell will lead the company into its next phase with Artistic Director Frances Rings.

Meanwhile, West Australian Ballet has announced the departure of its Artistic Director of 10 years, Aurélien Scannella. Since arriving in...