Canadian conductor, Bradley Thachuk, currently in his 13th season as artistic leader and conductor of the NSO in its 2023/2024, 75th Diamond Anniversary Season. This has now been extended, through to the 2028/2029 NSO season.
Previously, Thachuk held the positions of Interim Music Director of the Prince George Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Brampton Symphony Orchestra (Canada); Music Director of the Erie Chamber Orchestra, Associate Conductor of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Conducting Assistant for the Cincinnati Symphony and its Pops Orchestras (US); and Staff Conductor of the Opera Theatre of Lucca (Italy).
As an in-demand guest conductor in North America and Europe, Thachuk’s recent guest engagements include: English Symphony Orchestra (UK); Genesis Revisited with legendary guitarist Steve Hackett (UK tour); Thirteen Strings Orchestra, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Kamloops Symphony, Toronto Concert Orchestra, and Kingston Symphony (Canada); Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Ocean City Pops, Reading Symphony Orchestra, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops, Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (US); and Sinfonieorchester Wuppertal (Germany).
A versatile and diverse musician, Thachuk has also established himself globally as one of the handful of conductors who moves easily between the classical and rock worlds. He is a highly sought-after symphonic arranger, with numerous collaborations. Recent projects include work with Steve Hackett of Genesis, the music of Leonard Cohen, a tribute to the Tragically Hip, Dave Mason of Fleetwood Mac and Traffic, ABC’s Dancing with the Stars franchise, Tony award-winning Heather Headley, Sarah Slean, Chantal Kreviazuk, The Beach Boys, and Air Supply.
A supporter of the next generation of orchestral musicians, Thachuk is also a lecturer in Orchestral Literature at the world-renowned Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, sharing his knowledge and passion for orchestral music with post-graduate students from around the world. He does considerable work with the Buffalo Philharmonic and other ensembles throughout Canada and the US, as an in-demand visiting conductor, often with his own arrangements.
Many popular and jazz music artists use him, some exclusively, when more complex arrangements are required.
Maestro Thachuk has elevated the Orchestra to new artistic heights, expanding its repertoire and its new music, as well as providing the Orchestra with high quality arrangements of popular music, providing a wide range of opportunities for patrons in its service to the community.
In extending the tenure of our already long-serving Maestro, Board Chair Larry Bourk remarked, “Our Music Director Bradley Thachuk demonstrated his long-term vision and commitment to the NSO by agreeing to extend his contract with us for six years.”
In agreeing to remain with the NSO, Bradley Thachuk further comments, “It is with great joy that I renew my commitment to this wonderful orchestra and region. I truly love Niagara and am proud to have called it my home for the past 10 years. Thank you to the board of directors for their belief in me, and the players of the NSO for their artistry and professionalism. There is so much we can achieve in the next six years, and I will commit every part of me to our continued success.”
To learn about the NSO's full 75th Diamond Anniversary Season, click here.
See you at the Symphony!