Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra appoints assistant conductor

Following two days of auditions with nine finalists at the Lighthouse centre for the arts in Poole, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has announced that the Orchestra’s musicians have voted for Tom Fetherstonhaugh to take the role of assistant conductor for the 2022/23 concert season.

The bursary-supported role, previously known as the BSO Young Conductor in Association, is intended to help successful applicants build professional experience through performance opportunities. Fetherstonhaugh will also receive mentoring from BSO chief conductor Kirill Karabits, principal guest conductor Mark Wigglesworth, and associate guest conductor David Hill.

BSO chief executive, Dougie Scarfe, said: ‘We were delighted at the large range of applications received, which, given events of recent years and the limited opportunities for musicians on the cusp of an international career, is a reminder of how vital and necessary these professional development opportunities are.’

Trained at the Royal Academy of Music, Fetherstonhaugh founded the Fantasia Orchestra, which has grown considerably from its origins as a group of young musicians from junior Conservatoire departments. He made his debut in Korea in 2019, performing in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) with the Lindenbaum Festival Orchestra. Fetherstonhaugh was also a chorister of Westminster Abbey and an organ scholar at Merton College, Oxford, where he read music. He is currently an associate of the Royal College of Organists.

The assistant conductor role has provided a boost for the careers of those selected, with previous assistant conductor Marta Gardolińska, going on to work with the LA Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel as well as being appointed as music director of Opéra national de Lorraine.

Fetherstonhaugh commented that his new role ‘is an exciting opportunity to work with, and learn from, this outstanding orchestra across their season. The competition process has been really inspiring and supportive, and I can't wait to start with the BSO in September!’

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is the largest cultural provider in the South West of England, with residencies in Bournemouth, Bristol, Exeter, Portsmouth and Poole. You can find out more about the BSO here.