The Sydney Conservatorium of Music has announced the appointment of Australian conductor Benjamin Northey as its inaugural Professor of Conducting.

The newly created role is designed to meet the growing demand for training and mentorship in the art of conducting for Australian music students. 

Currently the Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor (Learning and Engagement) of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Northey was also the MSO’s Associate Conductor from 2010–2019. Northey was appointed the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Conductor in Residence in January this year.

Northey’s professorship begins in November. He joins a podium-focused team that includes Roger Benedict (Chief Conductor of the Sydney Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra), Elizabeth Scott (lecturer in conducting and the director of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Choir), and Stephen Mould (Associate Professor in Conducting, Opera Studies and Répétiteurship and Artistic Director of the Conservatorium Opera).

Benjamin Northey at Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Photo © Stefanie Zingsheim/University of Sydney

Northey will be mentoring and teaching students and conducting ensembles on a project basis. He will also be developing undergraduate and postgraduate conducting programs at the Con.

“I see this role as...