BBC Concert Orchestra announces Bill Chandler as director
Lucy Thraves
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
The new appointment comes ahead of the orchestra's 70th anniversary in 2022.
The BBC Concert Orchestra has today announced Bill Chandler as director, starting in September 2021.
Originally from the USA, Chandler started his career as a violinist in the Houston Symphony before joining the Royal Scottish National Orchestra as associate leader.
In 2016, he became the RSNO’s artistic director of learning and engagement before taking on the role of director of concerts and engagement.
The orchestra is planning to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2022, and it was also recently announced it will be leaving London, bringing live music to underserved areas of England.
Read more: BBC Radio 3 to strengthen Salford base in push for regional representation
Alan Davey, controller of BBC Radio 3, Proms, Orchestras & Choirs, said: 'I am thrilled to be welcoming Bill to the BBC Orchestra and Choir family. Bill’s creativity and drive to broaden the reach of classical and orchestral music is the perfect fit for our exciting and ambitious journey with the Concert Orchestra as we embark on a move outside London and heralds an exciting new partnership with networks BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 2 and the whole of the BBC.'
Bill Chandler called it 'an honour and privilege to join the BBC Concert Orchestra at such an important time in its history. The BBC CO is unique in the music world, renowned for its superb playing, versatility and relevance, all key traits in an ever-changing world. I look forward to working closely with this fantastic group of musicians and staff as we explore this exciting new chapter together.'
