Assistant Conductor Appointed at MSO
Rising Australian conductor Paul Fitzsimon has been appointed Assistant Conductor at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and will take up this position in early 2008 for one year.
This new and important appointment is funded by Symphony Australia as part of our ongoing Conductor Development Program.
Initiated and developed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in conjunction with Symphony Australia, it offers a unique opportunity to work with one of the leading orchestras in the country for one year.
As a major training and development opportunity, Fitzsimon will work closely with the MSO’s Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Oleg Caetani.
“This is an invaluable opportunity for me to further develop and refine my skills and is critical for my career. This appointment provides me with the opportunity to work closely on a daily basis with one of the finest conductors and orchestras in Australia'”, said Paul Fitzsimon.
MSO Managing Director Trevor Green said “We’re delighted with the appointment of Paul Fitzsimon as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Assistant Conductor.
This new position offers an emerging young Australian conductor an exclusive opportunity to thoroughly immerse himself in all aspects of orchestral life that exist beyond the podium.”
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for a young conductor in the early stages of his career.
As Assistant Conductor, Paul Fitzsimon will be actively involved in the daily artistic and orchestral activities of a professional symphony Orchestra”, said Trevor Green.
Through establishing new opportunities for young conductors, Symphony Australia and the MSO aim to further the training of the next generation of Australian conductors, many of whom will establish successful careers both here in Australia and overseas.
“By enabling young conductors to get hands-on experience with a professional symphony orchestra, we may even discover the next great Australian maestro – another Sir Charles Mackerras or Simone Young in the making”, said Trevor Green.
During this year-long appointment, the MSO’s Assistant Conductor role involves attending rehearsals and performances, preparing scores in the library, acting as repetiteur for singers, working closely with the Orchestra and Chorus and generally assisting the MSO’s Chief Conductor and Artistic Director.
Fitzsimon will also accompany Maestro Caetani as he travels to guest conduct the Sydney, West
Australian and Auckland Philharmonia orchestras this year.