BBC Scotland Appoints Dominic Parker Director of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
The BBC today announced the appointment of Dominic Parker as Director of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
Published: 2 August 2016
With Thomas Dausgaard taking up his position as Chief Conductor this September, this is a hugely exciting time to be joining the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
For 18 years, Dominic Parker has worked for a number of leading musical companies across the UK, including orchestras, concert halls and a conservatoire. He is currently Director of External Relations at Sage, Gateshead where he is part of the Directorate Team, working closely with the artistic programme and Royal Northern Sinfonia.
Following four years with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, he joined the team at the Southbank Centre, and subsequently played a significant part in the redevelopment of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff with the creation of the Dora Stoutzker Hall.
Dominic studied English Literature at Oxford University, holds an LRSM diploma in piano performance, and is in the final stages of an Executive MBA at Newcastle University Business School.
Announcing the appointment, Donalda MacKinnon, BBC Scotland Head of Programmes and Services says: “Dominic has an impressive track record in leading and motivating creative teams. He has an excellent knowledge of musical repertoire and conductors and will make a major contribution to the artistic direction of the SSO.”
Dominic Parker says: “With Thomas Dausgaard taking up his position as Chief Conductor this September, this is a hugely exciting time to be joining the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra as their new Director. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to follow Gavin Reid in that role and to build on his success. I am really looking forward to working with Thomas, the players, the management and the wider team at the BBC to ensure that as many people as possible experience and enjoy the talent of this great orchestra.”
Alan Davey, Controller of BBC Radio 3, comments: “We are looking forward to welcoming Dominic to the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the wider BBC Performing Group and Radio 3 family. He brings with him a wealth of experience in connecting audiences to great music, and joins at a time when the BBC SSO welcomes a new Principal Conductor, Thomas Dausgaard, who will take the orchestra to new places and new heights. There are exciting times to come for the orchestra and for the audiences who experience their work live and through broadcasts locally, nationally and internationally. Our profound thanks and best wishes to Gavin Reid, who leaves the orchestra in great shape."
Notes to Editors
The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra’s position as one of the pillars of Scotland’s musical life has been established steadily since it was founded in December 1935. Based at City Halls in Glasgow (since 2006), it is a key contributor to the BBC’s broadcasting and cultural role and performs to large and enthusiastic audiences in venues throughout Scotland, as well as carrying out a busy schedule of recordings, concerts and broadcasts for BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Television, and Online. A past recipient of the Royal Philharmonic Society Award for best orchestra, the BBC SSO has made over 120 commercial recordings, many of which have received prizes, including four Gramophone Awards.
Dominic Parker will take up his role in the autumn.
HM
