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BBC Philharmonic welcomes HK Gruber as Composer / Conductor

Find out about HK Gruber's interpretation of the Threepenny Opera

HK Gruber, the renowned Austrian composer is to succeed James MacMillan as the BBC Philharmonic’s next Composer/Conductor, starting in September 2009. He will make his Bridgewater Hall debut in his new role with the BBC Philharmonic in February 2010.

He follows in the footsteps of the eminent Scottish composer James MacMillan who took up the post in September 2000. Before that Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, who is now Master of the Queen’s Music, held the title for ten years.
The position will see Gruber conduct the BBC Philharmonic in two concert dates per season in its Bridgewater Hall series in Manchester, as well as recording his own music and that of others for Chandos Records. The BBC Philharmonic will give the UK premiere of Busking, Gruber’s concerto for trumpet, accordion, banjo and string orchestra. Plans are also in progress for Gruber to conduct the Orchestra in his home city, at the Vienna Konzerthaus

Gruber will be involved in the BBC Philharmonic’s learning work, specifically in the many varied communities of Salford which will be the Orchestra’s new home from 2011, when the BBC’s new base in the North opens there at mediacity:uk. He will also work with composition students at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Commenting on the appointment Richard Wigley, General Manager of the BBC Philharmonic says: “Gruber combines a wonderful rapport with the BBC Philharmonic with a strong commitment to living and neglected twentieth century composers. We are delighted that this towering musician is joining us. The relationship with James MacMillan (and with Sir Peter Maxwell Davies before him) has been very special for the Orchestra. Manchester, not to mention the wider orchestral world, is in for a terrific journey with Gruber and the BBC Philharmonic in the coming years.”
Gruber himself adds: “Everybody dreams from time to time that a fairy godmother will come and offer you a Rolls Royce. For me, I am absolutely happy that the BBC Philharmonic is now my Rolls Royce. The possibilities are limitless and I’m sure we will make many musical discoveries together in the coming years.”
Born in 1943, HK Gruber (or Nali as he is often known) is the composer of the celebrated work Frankenstein!! which is based on gruesome children’s rhymes by H.C. Artmann. It was premiered in Liverpool in 1978 under a young Sir Simon Rattle and has gone on to receive hundreds of acclaimed performances worldwide.

Gruber and the BBC Philharmonic have worked together many times before. Highlights include their recording of his most famous composition Frankenstein!! for Chandos in 2005, which was paired with Perpetuum Mobile, Charivari and Dancing in the Dark . The BBC Philharmonic also gave the UK premiere of Dancing in the Dark at the BBC Proms in 2003.

Gruber’s music reflects the great Viennese tradition, both classical and popular, through a contemporary lens and it draws on the cabaret style of the Weimar Republic, often combined with irreverent black humour. He has appeared at many international festivals as composer, conductor, chansonnier and music theatre performer.

Read HK Gruber's biography
(External) Download a podcast featuring HK Gruber

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