BOCA RATON — Grammy-nominated conductor Alastair Willis has been named principal conductor and artistic adviser of The Symphonia Boca Raton.
Willis has been a guest conductor with The Symphonia for the past several seasons. He also served as principal conductor for the orchestra’s “New Directions” concert series in 2019. He also is music director of the South Bend (Ind.) Symphony Orchestra.
“Alastair is an incredible addition to our orchestra,” said Annabel Russell, executive director. “His vibrant, energetic presentations have been so popular with our audiences, and we could not be more thrilled that his passion for classical music will be shared regularly now with our guests.”
Willis has guest conducted many leading orchestras around the world, including the Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, Mexico City Philharmonic and Silk Road Ensemble (with cellist Yo-Yo Ma), among others.
“It has been a privilege to be part of the Symphonia’s rich 15-year history,” Willis said, “and I relish the opportunity to help shape its future.”
His recording of Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortilèges with the Nashville Symphony was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Classical Album in 2009.
For information on The Symphonia’s 2020-2021 season, visit thesymphonia.org or call 561-376-3848.