Orchestras

Starting with the Northern Chamber Orchestra at the age of 22, Nick has been Principal Conductor of at least one orchestra throughout his career until 2007 – over 35 years without a break.

The four main orchestras of this period have been very different in size and character, but his legacy in each case has been an increase in the number of performances each season, and an increase in audiences, ranging from substantial to dramatic.

The Northern Chamber Orchestra concentrated on baroque, classical and contemporary repertoire. From two concerts in his first season, it was promoting over forty concerts when, having been appointed to Finland, he handed over the reins to Peter Donohoe. 

In Kuopio, Finland, Nick took the Orchestra into a new concert hall with a 50% increase in the number of full-time contract musicians. He was the first foreign permanent conductor of any Finnish orchestra and was adopted with great affection by the indigenous population. Even now, for the size of city, Kuopio has the highest symphony concert subscription in Finland.

Performing Arts Symphony Orchestra provided a commercial interlude in Nick’s career. The 70 strong orchestra toured Britain, giving around 35 outdoor concerts (mostly with fireworks, with additional lasers and dancing waters) each summer, as well as several series of winter concerts, and even made a profit. 

The South Carolina Philharmonic has provided the longest tenure: four contracts totalling fourteen years. He created an amazingly loyal audience and terrific rapport with the players through his sheer enjoyment of music and music-making.

Throughout all this time Nick has been a popular guest conduct in much of Europe and in the States. A list of orchestras can be found on the CV page.