Canberra and Willoughby Symphony chief spreads his wings and expands his interests abroad.

Chief Conductor of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and conductor of Willoughby Symphony since 2001, Dr Nicholas Milton has landed a plum role in Europe having been appointed General Music Director and Chief Conductor of the State Theater of Saarland, Germany (Saarländischen Staatstheater).

The appointment followed a rigorous and comprehensive international search in which Milton was the overwhelming favourite from a sizeable field of international conductors.

Milton has a growing reputation as one of the leading conductors of his generation, known for his imaginative programming and wide repertoire as well as his conducting style and charismatic energy. Abroad he’s conducted the London Philharmonic, NDR Radio Philharmonie Hannover, SWR Radio Symphony Stuttgart, Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana and the China National Symphony Orchestra.

The Willoughby Symphony were clearly delighted by the appointment with The Concourse Executive Director, Greg Khoury claiming it as a huge coup for The Concourse and Willoughby in general. “This remarkable appointment will further ignite Nick’s amazing passion and dedication,” he said, recognising the opportunity for the orchestra to develop its musical profile. “I expect we will see the Willoughby Symphony grow into an even more spectacular orchestra...