James Stobart is a conductor of wide experience
and versatility with an international reputation. Not only has he worked
with professional orchestras such as the Philharmonia, London Symphony,
BBC Concert, Guildford Philharmonic, American Symphony and Atlantic Symphony
and conducted music for films and television, but also he has devoted
much time to training young musicians, for instance at the Guildhall School
of Music, Royal Academy of Music and the Birmingham Conservatoire. James
Stobart's recordings with the Locke Brass Consort and London Collegiate
Brass have consistently won the highest praise around the world - his
recording of the complete works for brass of Richard Strauss, with the
Locke Brass Consort, is still a best-seller after many years. A few years
ago, he chose to enjoy a more leisurely approach to life and moved to
his cottage in South Lincolnshire bordering the Wash, where he could better
indulge a wealth of hobbies including botany, computing and mushroom identification
and collecting.
In 1994, James Stobart conducted two concerts with the NSO and his ability
to teach, motivate and encourage, coupled with his understanding of the
players' needs, meant that he was immediately asked to become Music
Director. Since then he has guided the orchestra towards its current success,
taking a personal interest in all its workings and offering help and advice
where necessary. James Stobart's contribution to the development of the
NSO has been considerable. However, he is keen to point out that neither
his achievements nor those of the NSO would have been possible without
the support, insight and dedication of his wife, Judy. |
The Norfolk Symphony Orchestra is delighted that Alexander Walker has agreed to become Music Director from the start of the 2008/9 season. Since he completed his studies at Bristol University, the Guildhall School of Music in London and St. Petersburg Conservatoire, his career has taken him all over the world, to the USA and the Far East as well as Europe. Recent engagements have included regular concerts with the Russian State Symphony Orchestra and Prague Philharmonia and performances throughout Poland, Finland, Denmark, Turkey, Romania, the former Yugoslavia and the former Soviet Union where many of his concerts have been broadcast on national television and radio.
Alexander Walker works regularly at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and recently conducted gala concerts at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall and London's Barbican Centre. He is keen to present audiences with great music, even if it is unfamiliar to them, and with this aim he has organised successful festivals both in Russia and in Finland.
Although performing extensively with professional groups, Alexander Walker is also committed to continuing his work with amateurs where he is highly regarded both as musician and teacher. He has conducting appointments in Daventry and Abingdon as well with the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra, also finding time to nurture talented young musicians at the Junior Academy in London on a regular basis. |
