This weekend, Kenneth Montgomery was appointed the new Principal Conductor of the Ulster Orchestra, Northern Ireland's only full-time symphony orchestra. At 63-years-old, he is the first native-born Northern Irish candidate to fill the role of Principal Conductor since the Ulster Orchestra was founded in 1966.
Born in Belfast, Montgomery will soon return to his home in Northern Ireland to officially take over next season (officially he is still the Chief Guest Conductor). He is currently living in Holland, where since 1975, he has been the Principal Conductor of the Dutch Radio Symphony Orchestra (Radio Symfonie Orkest) and also with the Dutch Radio Choir (the Groot Omroepkoor). He also makes frequent appearances with the Netherlands Opera.
The new Maestro stated:
"I was flabbergasted. I thought that they would have gone for someone younger and a bit more glamorous, which the orchestras in America tend to do. However, I was pleased and deeply honoured to accept the offer."
Best of luck to the new Ulster leader.