The Royal New Zealand Ballet is pleased to announce the appointment of Hamish McKeich as Principal Conductor.

The role will see Hamish continue to work closely with the RNZB and New Zealand’s premier orchestras in order to deliver consistent interpretations of ballet scores for touring productions.

Hamish is the Associate Conductor of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and is respected for his ability to conduct complex works and wide-ranging musical styles, from contemporary and experimental music, to core classical repertoire, as well as popular music collaborations.

He has a well-established international career having worked with many orchestras and avant garde chamber ensembles, and has collaborated with an astonishing array of artists from various genres including choreographers Graeme Murphy and Stephanie Lake, opera singer Simon O’Neill, rock musician Serj Tankian, composer John Psathas, the Pointer Sisters and Marlena Shaw. He has conducted and arranged music for feature films and live televised performances in Europe and New Zealand.

“Hamish is a fantastic addition to our creative team” says RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker, “he is always full of passion for our artform, commitment to our orchestras and dedication to our audiences – I am thrilled to have him on board.”

Hamish McKeich will appear with the Royal New Zealand Ballet this November to conduct the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Wellington for the Ryman Healthcare Season of Hansel and Gretel by RNZB Choreographer in Residence Loughlan Prior. This exciting new work features a commissioned score by Auckland-based composer Claire Cowan and is the first full length ballet score by a New Zealand female composer. Hamish will also work with Orchestra Wellington to create a bespoke recording of the score for use at performances in centres where live music is not possible.