Australia's Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Appoints Conductor Laureate

The role recognizes English conductor Nicholas Braithwaite for his three-decade-long association and achievements with the ensemble

(Photo courtesy: Nicholas Braithwaite)

With the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO), Braithwaite directed hundreds of concerts, radio broadcasts, and recordings. From 1987 to 1991, he served as ASO’s principal conductor.

“Conferring the title of Conductor Laureate on Nicholas is a small gesture of thanks for his great music making and advocacy of the ASO,” the orchestra wrote on Facebook. “It is a friendship that will endure and we look forward to having Nicholas back conducting with us in 2022!”

Born in London, Braithwaite graduated from the Royal Academy of Music and studied with Hans Swarowsky in Vienna. His past roles include serving as principal conductor of the Manchester Camerata, permanent guest conductor of the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, and associate conductor to Constantin Silvestri with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. 

A frequent guest conductor for major UK orchestras, he toured with the London Philharmonic Orchestra as the associate conductor to Sir Georg Solti.

In addition to conducting over 80 operas, Braithwaite is known for his interpretations of Wagner’s music, having conducted all of the composer’s works.

“To be associated with the ASO in the twilight years of my career is a great honor and an even greater joy,” said Braithwaite. “It is an orchestra where devotion to the realization of the best musical outcome absolutely is the driving force,” he added.

Braithwaite will continue to conduct performances with the ASO, including in their soon-to-be-announced 2022 season.