Jamie Phillips is to take on the role of assistant conductor of the Hallé orchestra, beginning this September. He will be working closely with the Hallé’s music director, Sir Mark Elder.

The 21-year-old was the youngest competitor in the 2011 Besançon International Competition for Young Conductors, and a finalist in the Nestlé and Salzburg Young Conductors Award 2012. He has been invited to conduct the Camerata Salzburg at the 2013 Salzburg Festival.

At the Hallé he follows the tenure of Andrew Gourlay, who is taking the Youth Orchestra to Prague in July. Gourlay will continue his association with the orchestra, conducting some of next season’s concerts.

John Summers, chief executive of the Hallé, said, ‘We are delighted about Jamie’s appointment as assistant conductor. He was the unanimous choice of the selection panel from an extremely talented field. Jamie follows a number of outstanding conductors who have held this role, from Edward Gardner in 2002, through to Andrew Gourlay.’

Phillips is to work with Elder preparing and conducting Hallé concerts, as well as acting as music director and conductor of the Hallé Youth Orchestra.

Sir Mark Elder stated, ‘We are all very thrilled to welcome Jamie into the Hallé family, and look forward to working with him closely over the coming years.’

Rosie Pentreath