BBC Concert Orchestra announce Bill Chandler as new Director

Originally from the USA, Bill Chandler started his career as a violinist in the Houston Symphony before joining the Royal Scottish National Orchestra as Associate Leader. With more than 30 years of experience working in orchestras, Bill Chandler is passionate about the role music and musicians play in society.

In 2016, he became the RSNO’s Director of Learning & Engagement, before taking on the role of Director of Artistic Planning & Operations. During this time, he planned and led multiple international tours to the Far East, North America and Europe, and further developed the RSNO’s recording profile and its much praised digital work in response to the current pandemic.

Known as an innovator and passionate collaborator, Bill Chandler has curated work across many different media and genres, working with film directors, animators, video game designers as well as composers and musicians from many different backgrounds.

Bill Chandler joins the BBC Concert Orchestra in an exciting moment in its history. The orchestra, which turns 70 in 2022, has recently announced it will be leaving London, bringing live music to underserved areas of England. This move will enable the Orchestra and its network partners BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 2, as well as the whole BBC, to bring its work, entertaining and exploring musical boundaries, closer to audiences everywhere, making stronger connections with communities, artists, talent, creative organisations and audiences around the country.

Alan Davey, Controller BBC Radio 3, Proms, Orchestras & Choirs, says: “I am thrilled to be welcoming Bill to the BBC Orchestra and Choir family. Bill’s creativity and drive to broaden the reach of classical and orchestral music is the perfect fit for our exciting and ambitious journey with the Concert Orchestra as we embark on a move outside London, and heralds an exciting new partnership with networks BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 2 and the whole of the BBC.”

Bill Chandler says: “It is an honour and privilege to join the BBC Concert Orchestra at such an important time in its history. The BBC CO is unique in the music world, renowned for its superb playing, versatility and relevance, all key traits in an ever-changing world. I look forward to working closely with this fantastic group of musicians and staff as we explore this exciting new chapter together.”

SJ4

• BBC Concert Orchestra