The New Zealand-born harpsichordist, synthesizer artist and organist Donald Nicolson has been named the next Principal Music Director of Melbourne’s Genesis Baroque.

Donald Nicolson. Photo © Albert Comper

Expert in the music of 17th- and 18th-century Europe, Nicolson completed his PhD in Musicology at the University of Melbourne in 2018. He is also convenor of the Early Music Studio at The University of Melbourne and maintains a busy performing schedule in the early music scene and on orchestral platforms, with Genesis Baroque, Van Diemen’s Band, Pinchgut Opera, Latitude 37, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Nicolson is also active in music outside the bounds of historically-informed performance, as a member of Anja & Zlatna, an ensemble which infuses the folk music of the Balkans with improvisational practices of the 17th century, and baroque/electronic duo Bronzewing with violist Katie Yap.

His 2022 commission from Van Diemen’s Band, Spirals, toured Australia and New Zealand, drawing on influences ranging from 17th-century Italy to video game music.

Genesis Baroque founder and Artistic Director Jen Kirsner said of the appointment: “It’s a boon for Genesis to be able to secure Donald as our next principal...