Adrian Kelly appointed Artistic Director of Buxton International Festival

Congratulations to alum Adrian Kelly, appointed Artistic Director of Buxton International Festival.

Adrian, who graduated in 2002 as a repetiteur, joins the Festival from his role as Music Director of the Salzburg State Theatre, a position he has held since 2017 after spending seven years as the company’s Kapellmeister.

He said: ‘I am delighted to have been offered the position of Artistic Director of the Buxton International Festival…I plan to build on the excellent work of my predecessors, and to entice performers of the highest quality to Buxton. I am looking forward to the challenge of planning and delivering a truly diverse programme of opera and concerts. I also share Michael Williams’ desire to bring opera to a wider audience, and we are already working on some exciting and innovative ideas in this direction.’

CEO Michael Williams added: ‘Adrian has the wonderful combination of studying at Royal Northern College of Music, working in the early stages of his career at Royal Opera House and then taking on Music Director responsibilities at the Salzburg State Theatre, which make him the ideal fit for Buxton International Festival. He cares passionately about young singers and developing new audiences, creating an atmosphere of excellence around music-making and exploring repertoire that deserves more public attention.  I am thrilled that he has accepted the post and looking forward to creating a magnificent 40th Anniversary Festival.’

Adrian’s first programmed Festival will be in 2019, a year which marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Festival. His programming for the 2019 Festival will include a new commission, two further new productions, a guest production and a Gala performance.

27 June 2018