Nine finalists attended auditions last week at Lighthouse, Poole to become Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s new Assistant Conductor. Meet them below…

After ballot voting at each stage from the Orchestra, the winning candidate was announced as Tom Fetherstonhaugh from London.

Tom Fetherstonhaugh (C) BSO

Tom trained with Roland Melia and later with Sian Edwards at the Royal Academy of Music, where he graduated with Distinction in 2021. He is the founder of Fantasia Orchestra, which has recently been joined in concert by soloists including Alim Beisembayev, Jess Gillam, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, and Tasmin Little.

Tom’s engagements this season have included conducting the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra ‘Playing to Inspire’ project with the Kanneh-Mason family, and assisting Francesco Cilluffo on Verdi’s Macbeth at The Grange Festival with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Tom Fetherstonhaugh,the BSO’s 2022/23 Assistant Conductor said: “I’m thrilled to have been appointed Assistant Conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. It is an exciting opportunity to work with, and learn from, this outstanding orchestra across their season. The competition process has been really inspiring and supportive, and I can’t wait to start with the BSO in September!”

Dougie Scarfe, the Orchestra’s Chief Executive said: “It’s been fantastic to witness this group of impressive finalists work with the Orchestra over the past few days. We were delighted at the large range of applications received, which, given events of recent years and the limited opportunities for musicians on the cusp of an international career, is a reminder of how vital and necessary these professional development opportunities are.

“The BSO has a long history of supporting emerging talent — I’m proud that we’ve been able to offer the placement, we’re really looking forward to working with Tom Fetherstonhaugh over the coming season.”

The Assistant Conductor plays a key part in the BSO’s 2022/23 season, and will also work with inclusive ensembles BSO Resound and RNS Moves in presenting a newly-commissioned work by Kate Whitley next spring.

We can’t wait to start working with Tom! Here’s a clip of the moment he was appointed…

To read the full press release click here 

The Assistant Conductor role in 2022/23 has been generously supported by The Calleva Foundation, in memory of Jack Butt.