Star conductor to teach at Sydney Conservatorium of Music

After a stellar career conducting the world’s leading orchestras, Benjamin Northey has been appointed to a plum post at the University of Sydney.

Benjamin Northey at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he has been appointed the inaugural professor of conducting. Picture: Stefanie Zingsheim/University of Sydney.

Conductor Benjamin Northey has joined the Sydney Conservatorium of Music as its inaugural professor of conducting.

With more than two decades of experience leading orchestras around the world, Professor Northey will share his skills and knowledge with a new generation of music students.

The Ballarat-born musician is keen to teach and mentor undergraduate music students who are stepping into conducting studies for the first time.

“Music teachers can change lives,’’ he said. “I’ve been the beneficiary of great teaching, which completely shaped my trajectory as musician and artist.

“This role offers me the chance to help shape the future of Australian music, ensuring that the next generation understands and values music’s essential role in our society.’’

Professor Benjamin Northey says he is looking forward to teaching at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he will start work as the inaugural professor of conducting in November. Picture: Stefanie Zingsheim/University of Sydney.

Professor Northey is one of the most sought-after conductors in the Asia-Pacific region, and is currently chief conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, as well as conductor in residence of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and principal conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

His long and distinguished career has led him to conduct the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tokyo Philharmonic ­Orchestra and the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg.

An advocate for original Australian music, Professor Northey has premiered and recorded works by First Nations composers, including Deborah Cheetham Fraillon and William Barton.

He is artistic director of the Hush Foundation, which produces original music for therapeutic use in healthcare settings.

The dean of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Anna Reid, hailed Professor Northey as “one of them most outstanding conductors of his generation … his leadership, artistry and dedication to music education make him an extraordinary appointment for the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.’’

“His work with students, orchestras and composers has profoundly shaped Australia’s musical landscape,’’ she said.

Professor Benjamin Northey and Professor Anna Reid at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Picture: Stefanie Zingsheim/University of Sydney.

Professor Northey said conducting was a “highly useful skill to have, even if your career takes a different path’’.

“Whether conducting school ensembles or professional orchestras, strong conducting skills create better music experiences for the ensemble and the audience,’’ he said. “Investing in leadership at the student level ensures that future generations of Australian musicians benefit from strong artistic direction.’’

Describing his role as “an investment in Australian cultural leadership’’, Professor Northey said conductors guided ensembles and inspired innovation.

“Strengthening conducting education will have a lasting impact on Australian music more broadly,’’ he said.

Professor Northey, who was appointed following an international recruitment search, will start work in November and commence teaching in Semester 1, 2026, while conducting ensembles on a project basis.

The Conservatorium of Music is part of the University of Sydney, where Professor Northey will collaborate with a conducting team that includes associate professor Roger Benedict, Dr Elizabeth Scott and associate professor Stephen Mould, along with 31 composers on staff.