Royal Northern Sinfonia welcomes associate conductor

The Royal Northern Sinfonia (RNS) has announced the appointment of Ellie Slorach to the newly created role of associate conductor. The Manchester-based conductor will join principal conductor Dinis Sousa, principal guest conductor Nil Vendetti and artistic partner Maria Włoszczowska to lead the orchestra at its home in Gateshead’s Glasshouse International Centre for Music.

The new appointment builds on Slorach’s existing relationship with the RNS, having performed with the orchestra for Christmas performances of The Snowman in Concert in 2023 and 2024, and made her BBC Proms debut at The Glasshouse in July 2024, leading the Fantasy, Myths and Legends prom alongside BBC Radio 1 film reviewer Ali Plumb. She presents her first project in her new role alongside presenter YolanDa Brown in March 2025.

Slorach said: ‘When I first met Royal Northern Sinfonia, I immediately felt a warmth and positive connection. Having since worked with the ensemble on various projects, including the Fantasy, Myths & Legends BBC Prom last summer, I am feeling excited for what the future holds! I love being in The Glasshouse too – It's an amazing building and the concert hall is outstanding.’

Slorach’s appointment comes follows The Glasshouse’s recent 20th anniversary celebrations, and sees her bring her specialism in presenting large scale multi-media and educational projects to the venue. She also brings her experience as founder and artistic director of Kantos Chamber Choir and engagement conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra

The Glasshouse’s RNS and classical music executive director James Thomas said: ‘Ellie brings a wonderful energy to The Glasshouse every time she's here. Over the last year she's forged a special connection with our orchestra and with our audiences, leading carol sing-alongs at Christmas and welcoming them to the BBC Proms. We’re excited to work more closely with her over the next three years, expanding our work with schools and young people across the North East, and deepening our commitment to inspiring the next generation of musicians and music lovers.’