Sage Gateshead appoints director of Royal Northern Sinfonia and Classical Programme
Florence Lockheart
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
James Thomas will take up his new role in autumn 2022, succeeding Thorben Dittes who will become CEO of London’s Philharmonia Orchestra next month
Newcastle-based music centre Sage Gateshead has today announced the appointment of James Thomas to the role of director of Royal Northern Sinfonia (RNS) and Classical Programme. Thomas will take up his new role in autumn 2022, succeeding Thorben Dittes who will become CEO of London’s Philharmonia Orchestra next month.
To join the RNS, Thomas will be leaving his current role as creative director of Manchester Camerata where he worked with the orchestra, artistic partners and music director Gábor Takács-Nagy to develop the orchestra’s programmes. He has also worked with the organisation on tours and partnerships and recording as well as on digital project during the pandemic.
Thomas said: ‘Ever since I was a professional musician, chamber orchestras have always had a special place in my heart, so I’m delighted to be joining RNS and Sage Gateshead at an exciting time. Chamber orchestras are always at the forefront of innovation and change and this is a unique orchestra in an amazing part of the UK.’
An alumnus of the ABO’s Find Your Way programme, Thomas started out in orchestral management as general manager of Sinfonia Cymru. Thomas grew up in South Wales and played bassoon at the junior department of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. He has also studied at the Royal Northern College of Music and the Conservatorio Di Musica in Mantova.
Thomas will join principal conductor Dinis Sousa who has just completed his first season with RNS. Sousa said: ‘This has been a big year for us, with newly appointed players and exciting new projects, and I’m looking forward to working with James to continue to develop the work that the orchestra does at home, regionally and internationally.’
Founded in 1958, Royal Northern Sinfonia is the UK’s only full-time chamber orchestra. It is based at Sage Gateshead and supplies the North of England with activity and performances across the region. Sage Gateshead and Royal Northern Sinfonia hosted the BBC Proms for the first time on Saturday (23 July).
You can find out more about the Sage Gateshead and Royal Northern Sinfonia here.
