Meet our New Artistic Director

  • 5 December 2024
Meet our New Artistic Director

Swaledale Festival has appointed Fraser Wilson as its new Artistic Director.

Wilson takes up the baton from previous director Malcolm Creese, who undertook the role for 17 years. He joins the team from the internationally renowned Britten Pears Arts in Suffolk where he was Head of Performance and Public Engagement, closely involved in world-class cultural programmes including the Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts.

Originally from Scotland, Wilson has two decades of arts experience that span the length and breadth of the British Isles. At Sheffield’s Music in the Round, the leading national promoter of chamber music, he led learning and participation; and at Norfolk & Norwich Festival Bridge, he strove to improve cultural education for all 550,000 children and young people in East Anglia.

He also has two decades as a professional music-maker. As a composer/arranger, his music usually involves voices and has been heard in several countries, largely thanks to being associate composer with the choral group Apollo5, and his work with many other artists.  He plays the piano at any given opportunity.

On announcing the appointment, Chairman of Swaledale Festival Dr Susan Miller said: "Under Malcolm’s leadership the Festival has grown from a relatively small-scale series of concerts to become the highly successful, wide-ranging and much-respected festival of today, and we would like to pay tribute to his commitment and vision. We are delighted to have appointed Fraser Wilson as our new Artistic Director and are very excited about the next chapter in the Festival's story. We hope you enjoy the journey too.”

Commenting on his new role, Fraser Wilson said: “I’m delighted! It is a wonderful festival, in a stunning part of the world, with decades of success behind it and a thriving present. I have great respect and admiration for all that has happened so far. 

“The 2025 Festival, programmed by my predecessor Malcolm, is looking fantastic, and I can’t wait for it all to get under way. It is exciting to think about where the festival could go and how we can achieve it together. I am looking forward to the adventure of discovering that with the team, with musicians and artists from near and far, with our many visitors, and with the whole Dales community.

“It will be especially important for us to consider who we don’t yet connect with, and to bring a warm invitation to more and different people to be part of it. I would like the Festival to be neighbourly in its community, to welcome visitors and creative ideas from far and wide, and to be a source of colour, inspiration and joy – reflecting the unique nature of this place and its people.

“Many people already see it as a special happening. It is a huge pleasure and privilege for me to be part of its bright future.”

Print
Categories: News
Tags:
Rate this article:
3.6