Melanie Lane has been appointed Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Lucy Guerin Inc, taking up the role in January 2027 as founder Lucy Guerin steps down after 25 years leading the Melbourne contemporary dance company. The company will adopt a new name, to be announced following Guerin’s departure at the end of 2026.

Melanie Lane and Lucy Guerin. Photo supplied

Lane is an Australian choreographer and performer of European/Javanese heritage whose work spans dance, visual arts, theatre and music. She has received commissions from organisations including Sydney Dance Company, Chunky Move, Australasian Dance Collective, Dance North and West Australian Ballet, as well as international companies and theatres.

Felix Sampson and Michael Smith have been appointed as co-Artistic Directors of Dancenorth. Both are long-standing ensemble members of the North Queensland-based company. They will take up their new role in March 2027.

Natsuko Yoshimoto has stepped down as Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Concertmaster after six years in the position. She was previously Concertmaster with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for 12 years.

Born in Japan, Yoshimoto has appeared as a soloist with the London Symphony Orchestra, The Hallé, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Sinfonietta...