Horsecross Arts has appointed James Waters as creative director for classical music at Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre.
James, who will take up the role on 1 November, has extensive experience of classical music programming through his role working with Brian McMaster as associate festival director of the Edinburgh International Festival. As well as devising and implementing the annual programme he was also responsible for setting up the Festival's Education Department.
He also spent several years as concerts director of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and has undertaken a variety of work for international concert agency Van Walsum Management, ranging from orchestral touring through to concert promotion.
As a consultant James has worked for Birmingham City Council, Newcastle City Council, City of London Sinfonia and the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh among others.
James also currently runs producers courses for the Federation of Scottish Theatres and lectures at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
Commenting on his appointment, Jane Spiers, chief executive at Horsecross Arts said:
"I am really looking forward to working with James and I am confident that he will build on the work we have achieved to date. He has a fantastic track record and enjoys impressive long-term working relationships with performing companies and individual artists of the highest international standing. He is champing at the bit to get in here and get to work. With James' support we are confident that we can continue to deliver the world class programme of classical music that our audiences have come to expect."
James, who will work with current director of classical music Svend Brown throughout November to ensure a smooth handover is achieved, said:
"I am absolutely delighted to be joining an organisation and a team completely at the top of their game - my first day of work today and in the office is Horsecross' newly won Scottish Thistle Award for Business Leadership, the Hall itself is already the Traditional Music Venue of the Year and the first piece I saw as creative director designate was the a Pulitzer Prize-Winning joint commission by Horsecross and New York's Carnegie Hall having its UK premiere at the hall.
"Horsecross Arts has done a great job in attracting top quality international performers to their venues; putting Perth firmly on the map as a must-visit destination for classical music lovers. I am excited about the programme that is already in place and can't wait to add my own ideas into the mix and play my part in building on the reputation for excellence that the team has already created."
Upcoming classical music highlights in Perth Concert Hall include the continuation of the Perth Concert Series with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra playing Beethoven and Brahms on Wednesday 11 November. The Scottish Ensemble performs a sparkling Lunchtime Concert programme on Monday 30 November. On 12 December, the Scottish Ensemble presents their Candlelit Concert and brilliant young pianist Alexander Romanovsky, plays in his Perth debut on 14 December.
Forthcoming attractions for the New Year are the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in A Viennese New Year on 5 January, Toby Spence sings Jacques Brel with the Scottish Ensemble on 5 February and Neeme Järvi conducts the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in Tristan and Isolde on 18 February. Beethoven, a Life in 8 Chapters will see Llŷr Williams undertake the complete cycle of Beethoven's piano sonatas throughout the year.
For further information and tickets contact Horsecross Box Office on 01738 621 031, visit www.horsecross.co.uk.