Royal Northern Sinfonia appoints new Leader, Maria Włoszczowska
Royal Northern Sinfonia is delighted today to announce the violinist Maria Włoszczowska as its next Leader. Her first concert in the role will be the season opening concert on Saturday 18 September at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music.
Maria has performed several times previously with RNS including recently stepping for Jennifer Pike at short notice for a performance of The Lark Ascending.
Tonight, she leads the orchestra, under the baton of Principal Conductor Designate Dinis Sousa in a dramatic finale to the New Beginnings season, featuring Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll and Beethoven’s Symphony No.4 and performs the solo in Kaija Saariaho’s Vers toi qui es si loin.
Maria Włoszczowska performs as a soloist, chamber musician and guest concertmaster worldwide. She is recognised for her versatile musicianship, having won the First Prize and Audience Prize at the XXI Leipzig International Johann Sebastian Bach Competition in 2018, as well as numerous prizes at the XV International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition.
The 2020/21 season saw her involved in several UK and international engagements including projects leading the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and RNS, performing violin concertos by Sibelius and Bruch, as well as performances at international chamber music festivals including Musikdorf Ernen in Switzerland, IMS Prussia Cove, Festival Resonances in Belgium, North York Moors Festival, Lewes Chamber Music Festival as well as chamber concerts in Scotland with members of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
Maria succeeds Bradley Creswick who led RNS for over 25 years.
Abigail Pogson, Managing Director of The Glasshouse said: “I am really thrilled that Maria is joining us as the next Leader of Royal Northern Sinfonia. She is an incredibly talented musician and leader who has already developed a strong relationship with the orchestra over her appearances this season. It is an exciting new era for Royal Northern Sinfonia with next generation leadership in Dinis and Maria. As we gradually move back towards live performances, I’m looking forward to hearing the many concerts and projects which Dinis, Maria and Royal Northern Sinfonia will create together in coming months and years.”
Maria Włoszczowska said: “I am thrilled to be joining the wonderful RNS as Leader. I was immediately taken by the player’s openness, trust, willingness to explore and always go the extra mile – an attitude that creates endless potential and makes them a world-class ensemble. I’m delighted to be able to contribute to what is undoubtedly a very exciting future for the group. I’m also keen to get to know the audiences around the region and make this stunning part of the UK my home.”