Exciting Kiwi conductor, Reuben Brown, has been selected for the coveted role of 2025 New Zealand Assistant Conductor-in-Residence. During his year-long tenure, Brown will work with some of the world’s most esteemed conductors and lead rehearsals and performances for the Auckland Philharmonia, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Dunedin Symphony Orchestra.
Auckland Philharmonia’s Chief Executive, Diana Weir, says, “We are delighted to announce Reuben for this prestigious position of national scope. This residency programme offers a fantastic opportunity for emerging Australasian conductors to build greater depth of podium experience to launch a professional career, and we’re proud to see one of Aotearoa’s own take up this role.”
Originally from Invercargill/Waihōpai, the southernmost city of the South Island/Te Wai Pounamu, Brown recently graduated from the New Zealand School of Music in Wellington/Te Whanganui-a-Tara. He has served as the Associate Conductor for Wellington Brass and as a Fellow with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
Brown says he is “looking forward to starting in the role next month and learning remarkable music with these brilliant orchestras and world-class artists. Leading these three Aotearoa professional orchestras for rehearsals and performances is an incredible opportunity and it’s exciting to think about the future career pathways that this experience will open for me on a local and global scale.”
During the residency, Reuben will be mentored by the Auckland Philharmonia’s Music Director, Giordano Bellincampi, through a structured development and performance programme, and supported by the music directors and guest conductors from the other New Zealand orchestras.
The role will provide Reuben with invaluable professional development opportunities, such as conducting rehearsals and concerts across the orchestral 2025 seasons. He will also learn about the inner workings of season planning and other managerial elements as a member of the Auckland Philharmonia’s Artistic team over the course of the season.
The rigorous selection process for the residency involved shortlisted applicants completing a live audition with the Auckland Philharmonia. The selection panel included representatives from all three participating orchestras, as well as conductor Hamish McKeich who contributed his expertise as an independent assessor.
Reuben Brown is the fifth holder of the position and takes over from 2024 incumbent, Ingrid Martin.
The 2025 New Zealand Assistant Conductor-in-Residence position is funded by Creative New Zealand and managed by the Auckland Philharmonia, but the role is collaboration between the Auckland Philharmonia, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Dunedin Symphony Orchestra.
Initiated by the Auckland Philharmonia, the programme came to fruition in 2020 in collaboration with professional orchestral colleagues around the country. It has grown to be regarded as the most consequential assistantship in Australasia.
The NZ Assistant Conductor-in-Residence position is supported by Warren and Sandra Cant.