Andrew Mogrelia appointed Music Director and Principal Conductor
Andrew Mogrelia, four years the Principal Guest Conductor of Queensland Ballet, has been named the Company’s Music Director and Principal Conductor beginning 1 January 2013. The appointment coincides closely with the Company’s appointment of Artistic Director Li Cunxin this past July.
“Queensland Ballet is moving in a new and exciting direction and we’re delighted to have Andrew as part of the artistic team,” said Artistic Director Li.
Beginning his association with Queensland Ballet in 2008 as guest conductor for François Klaus’s production of Swan Lake, Mogrelia was named Principal Guest Conductor in 2009 and has returned each December since to lead the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for the end-of-year production.
He returns this year for François Klaus' farewell in The Sleeping Beauty 1 – 19 December. In his new role he will conduct Cinderella in April and The Nutcracker in December 2013 to live orchestral accompaniment by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
“I’m deeply honoured by the support and trust this appointment demonstrates,” said Mogrelia. “Li’s vision will take the company to new heights, and it’s extremely exciting to be part of such an inspiring vision.”
Mogrelia’s chief duties in 2013 will be to conduct the live performances of Cinderella and The Nutcracker, liaise with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, establish the Queensland Ballet’s music library and oversee all music and music personnel matters within the Company. Queensland Ballet CEO Anna Marsden adds: “We have always valued Andrew’s ability to understand the needs of a
ballet company and balance those with artistic integrity and the needs of an orchestra. His relationship with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra has been a positive one for both organisations, and has immeasurably strengthened the cooperation between two of Queensland’s premier arts companies. We are extremely pleased to have Andrew with us as we embrace a bright and exciting future.”
Mogrelia was born in Wales and obtained conducting and piano degrees from the Royal College of Music. Immediate past Music Director of the San Francisco Ballet, Andrew was for many years the Music Director of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Orchestra. He has also held music director positions at the Birmingham Conservatoire and Dutch National Ballet.
Andrew has conducted many of Europe's leading orchestras including the Philharmonia, Royal Philharmonic, the Bournemouth Symphony, BBC Symphony and BBC Scottish Symphony in the UK; the Nieuw Sinfonietta Amsterdam, Residentie Orchestra and Dutch Radio Symphony in the Netherlands; and the Slovak Radio Symphony and Slovak Philharmonic in the Czech and Slovak Republics, among others. Andrew has worked with the National Youth Orchestra (UK & Eire) and the New Perspectives Ensemble at the Royal College of Music in London.
Contact: John Ballard
Maxima Artist Management Limited
Tel +64 9522 1620 or email john.ballard@maximaltd.com