LEADING contemporary opera company, Music Theatre Wales, has appointed Richard Baker of Tregaron as its consultant music director.

Richard, who is a prominent figure on the British contemporary music scene, successful both as a conductor and composer, impressed the company and its audiences when he conducted the recent tour of Guto Puw’s Welsh-language opera Y Twr.

He will work closely with artistic director Michael McCarthy on the selection of future repertoire and liaise regularly with the company on all relevant artistic matters as well as representing the company on the widest possible basis.

He will also conduct some of the company’s future productions, although Music Theatre Wales will continue with its recent and very successful practice of engaging conductors for each individual opera.

Richard was born in Dudley, West Midlands, and grew up in Shropshire.

He now lives in Tregaron having relocated from Berlin just over five years ago.

With Wales as his new home Richard has been learning Welsh for four years, at the university in Aberystwyth.

Richard said: “I am thrilled to be taking up this role with a company whose work I have admired since I was a student.

“Music Theatre Wales has an enviable track record of producing and commissioning work by some of the most significant international figures, as well as developing work with composers new to the form.

“I am excited by the opportunity to help build on this legacy in the years ahead, and look forward to working with Michael and the team on introducing the finest new work to audiences in Wales, across the UK and internationally, at a time of extraordinary creativity in the art form.”

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