BBC Concert Orchestra appoints Edwin Outwater as principal guest conductor and curator

The BBC Concert Orchestra has announced the appointment of American conductor Edwin Outwater to the role of principal guest conductor and curator. Effective from 1 September, the American conductor will work closely with director Matthew Swann and chief conductor Anna-Maria Helsing on the orchestra’s concerts and engagement work. 

This latest appointment builds on Edwin’s existing relationship with the BBC Concert Orchestra, which began in 2022 when he made his BBC Proms debut with the orchestra and soloist Cynthia Erivo in the Legendary Voices Prom. Since then, he has conducted the ensemble in last year’s popular Northern Soul Prom and, for the past two years, has curated annual Christmas Gaiety events at the Royal Albert Hall with drag performer, producer and filmmaker Peaches Christ.

Outwater said: ‘I am thrilled to join the BBC Concert Orchestra team. Our work together so far has covered quite a lot of musical ground, and it all has been an absolute joy. I love that this orchestra both understands the importance of our great traditions, and enthusiastically embraces the possibilities of what an orchestra can be in contemporary culture. My career has followed a similar path, and I can’t wait to see what we create together in the years ahead.’

Outwater’s next concerts with the BBC Concert Orchestra include a Prom marking the centenary of flautist, film music composer and conductor Henry Mancini and a performance at the London Jazz Festival offering a symphonic tribute to the John Coltrane.

BBC Concert Orchestra director Matthew Swann said: ‘As we continue to deliver exciting, relevant and impactful performances around the UK, at the BBC Proms and beyond, Edwin’s dynamism, versatile creativity and innovative approach as a conductor make him a brilliant fit for the BBC Concert Orchestra.’

Currently music director of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Outwater’s career spans multiple genres, and he has collaborated with artists ranging from Metallica to Wynton Marsalis, Renée Fleming and Yo-Yo Ma. Recent recordings include Rhapsody in Blue Reimagined with Lara Downes and SFCM orchestra, the GRAMMY-award winning Philharmonia Fantastique with Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Portals, the debut solo EP of Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett.