What it takes to master ‘the best job in the world'
Conductor Benjamin Northey is reflecting on more than two decades leading major orchestras here and overseas.
'There's nothing like it. It's got to be the best job in the world. You're in this privileged position where you get to connect with these amazing works of art all the time.'
Now he is aiming to pass on that privilege – and all the complex skills needed to exercise it – to the next generation, having been appointed inaugural professor of conducting at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
He adds that job to his current roles as principal conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and conductor in residence of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
'It's a tremendous opportunity,' he says. 'It was unexpected in many ways but I was thrilled.
'This role offers me the chance to help shape the future of Australian music, ensuring the next generation understands and values music's essential role in our society.'
Northey's appointment comes at a time of growing interest in the art of conducting, brought on in part by the high-profile success here and overseas of Sydney Symphony Orchestra chief conductor Simone Young as well as other young rising stars such as Sydneysider Sam Weller.
Northey came to conducting by a circuitous route. Initially, he studied woodwinds, playing saxophone, flute and clarinet professionally in his 20s before enrolling in a conducting course at Melbourne Conservatorium. In 2001, he won the Symphony Australia young conductor of the year award and went on to study at Helsinki's Sibelius Academy, 'the global mecca of conductor training'.
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