VSO Welcomes New Assistant Conductor For 2016-17
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The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has appointed William Rowson as its new assistant conductor.
Rowson began conducting while studying at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia and is rapidly establishing a reputation as one of Canada's most versatile emerging
talents.
Saskatchewan-born Rowson has conducted many of Canada’s leading ensembles, including Toronto's Talisker Players, the Glenn Gould Professional School, and the National Academy Orchestra of Canada, and has directed the McGill Chamber Orchestra, Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, as well as two short original operas he composed for Toronto's Tapestry New Opera Works.
Rowson completed his doctorate in composition at the University of Toronto. His works have been featured at the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival, UBS Verbier Festival, and at the Banff Centre’s Summer Music Series where he was a resident composer.
Most recently, Rowson served as the principal conductor of the Stratford Symphony Orchestra and Toronto's Sneak Peek Orchestra. He has also been the resident conductor of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra's What Next Festival and the conductor of the Mooredale Youth Orchestras in Toronto.
In a press release, VSO music director Bramwell Tovey said he was "delighted" with Rowson's appointment. “He was the unanimous choice of the search committee after winning an exceptionally high majority vote from the VSO musicians."
Rowson succeeds Gordon Gerrard, who served as the VSO’s assistant conductor from 2012 to 2014, and as associate conductor from September of 2014 through the 2015/2016 season. In July 2016, Gerrard will assume the position of music director of the Regina Symphony Orchestra.
