WELL-known Tenby-born composer, Grant Llewellyn, has been appointed music director of the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra.
Previously assistant conductor of the Boston Symphony, Grant, who is currently musical director of the Handel and Haydn Society in Boston and a regular guest conductor with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, will take up his post on July 1, under a four-year contract.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the North Carolina Symphony as music director," said Grant, who becomes only the fifth person to hold the position since the orchestra was established in 1932.
"From the very first down beat of my first rehearsal, I knew the North Carolina Symphony was a fine orchestra. Everything since has confirmed and reinforced that first impression."
Said general manager and vice-president for artistic operations, Scott Freck: "We are thrilled to find in Grant a conductor who so perfectly matches the characteristics of the ideal candidate we set out to find. His easy combination of grace, wit and glorious music-making will greatly enhance the North Carolina Symphony's ability to deliver their majestic music to the people of this state and beyond."
Grant's activities as music director will include conducting as many as 40 concerts annually, providing artistic vision and guidance, planning programmes and selecting guest artists and guest conductors. His first concerts will be September 16-18.