New director for classical music

Nov 3 2009 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

HORSECROSS Arts has appointed James Waters as creative director for classical music at Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre.

James has extensive experience of classical music programming through his role working with Brian McMaster as associate festival director of the Edinburgh International Festival. As well as devising and implementing the annual programme he was also responsible for setting up the Festival’s Education Department.

He also spent several years as concerts director of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and has undertaken a variety of work for international concert agency Van Walsum Management.

As a consultant James has worked for Birmingham City Council, Newcastle City Council, City of London Sinfonia and the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh among others.

James also currently runs producers courses for the Federation of Scottish Theatres and lectures at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

Commenting on his appointment, Jane Spiers, chief executive at Horsecross Arts said: “I am really looking forward to working with James and I am confident that he will build on the work we have achieved to date.

“He has a fantastic track record and enjoys impressive long-term working relationships with performing companies and individual artists of the highest international standing. He is champing at the bit to get in here and get to work. With James’ support we are confident that we can continue to deliver the world class programme of classical music that our audiences have come to expect.”

James, who will work with current director of classical music Svend Brown throughout November to ensure a smooth handover is achieved, said yesterday: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining an organisation and a team completely at the top of their game.

“In the office is Horsecross’ newly won Scottish Thistle Award for Business Leadership, the Hall itself is already the Traditional Music Venue of the Year and the first piece I saw as Creative Director designate was the a Pulitzer Prize-Winning joint commission by Horsecross and New York’s Carnegie Hall having its UK premiere at the hall.

“I am excited about the programme already in place and can’t wait to add my own ideas into the mix and play my part in building on the reputation for excellence that the team has already created.”