Birmingham Royal Ballet appoints Music Director

PAUL MURPHY has been announced as Music Director alongside his current role as Principal Conductor at Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Murphy will succeed KOEN KESSELS as leader of the company’s orchestra, Royal Ballet Sinfonia, on 1 July.

A member of Birmingham Royal Ballet for 31 years, Murphy was appointed Principal Conductor in 1997. During his time with the company, he has worked extensively to develop young talent through the Constant Lambert Conducting Fellowship.

He has been a regular guest conductor for the Royal Ballet, Covent Garden, since 1994 and conductor for the Royal Ballet School’s annual performance since 2005. 

Work with national ensembles also includes conducting Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hallé and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Abroad, Murphy has worked with orchestras including Bergen Philharmonic, Tokyo Philharmonic, the Osaka Symphony and Washington National Opera Orchestra.

Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, CARLOS ACOSTA, said: “I couldn’t be happier for Paul. His unfailing energy and enthusiasm has been a source of inspiration to me, all of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia players, our dancers and the company as a whole.

“While we are sad to see Koen leave, Paul is his natural successor, and his appointment could not be more well deserved.”

Murphy added: “I look forward to working alongside Carlos Acosta and Caroline Miller [CEO] to build a strong and secure future for the wonderful Royal Ballet Sinfonia, expanding our partnerships and developing the hugely successful Constant Lambert Conducting Fellowship.”