2020 Annual Report
2020 Artistic Family XIAN ZHANG
Principal Guest Conductor Following her successful MSO debut in 2018 conducting Dvořák’s Symphony No.9, Xian Zhang was appointed as the MSO Principal Guest Conductor in 2020. Sought-after across the globe, Xian Zhang was the first female conductor to hold a titled role with a BBC Orchestra, and is currently the Music Director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
BENJAMIN NORTHEY
Principal Conductor in Residence Benjamin Northey has a progressive and diverse approach to repertoire, having collaborated with some of the world’s biggest artists, including Piers Lane, Amy Dickson, Tori Amos and James Morrison. He is the Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. In 2020 during lockdown, Benjamin hosted the hugely popular, Up Late with Ben Northey, where he interviewed MSO musicians and guest artists, providing audiences with an entertaining insight to the people behind the music.
NICHOLAS BOCHNER
Cybec Assistant Conductor for Learning and Engagement Supported by The Cybec Foundation Nicholas joined the MSO as Assistant Principal Cello and since then has appeared as a soloist, chamber musician and recitalist. In 2016, Nicholas undertook a fellowship at the Australian National Academy of Music where he developed, conducted and presented educational concerts for primary school children. Nicholas has been studying conducting with Benjamin Northey and won a coveted place at the TSO’s 2019 Australian Conducting Academy.
DEBORAH CHEETHAM AO
Composer in Residence
A leader in the Australian arts landscape for more than 25 years, Deborah is a Yorta Yorta woman, soprano, playwright, composer, and educator. She established the Short Black Opera Company, which is devoted to the discovery and development of Indigenous opera singers. In 2020 with the MSO, Deborah premiered Dutala – Star Filled Sky, Gulaga, and an excerpt from Nanyubak (premiering with the MSO in 2021). Her Long Time Living Here musical Acknowledgement of Country was performed at the beginning of each major performance in 2020.
JORDAN MOORE
Cybec Young Composer in Residence Supported by The Cybec Foundation Jordan started a specialist degree in music composition at the University of Western Australia in 2013. He later commenced his honours with the UWA Conservatorium of Music and in 2019 was part of the MSO’s Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers Showcase when he premiered his work, Pandaemonium. The success of this composition saw Jordan become the Cybec Young Composer in Residence in 2020 where his work, A Call to Adventure had its world premiere at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl to an audience of more than 5,000 people.
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