Southampton University Symphony Orchestra (SUSO) has appointed Susanna Riddell as their new director to mark the launch of a new era.
The student-run orchestra, which started in 1917 celebrated it’s 97th birthday last month. The 90+ strong membership group contains students who study a wide variety of subjects at the University, ranging from archaeology and history to the more obvious music.
Riddell, who has taken up the post this month has over 20 years of experience on the international stage, as well as working with world class conductors and soloists as a cellist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Susanna has also been President of the Wessex Youth Orchestra for the past 10 years and recently conducted at the Royal Albert Hall.
President of the Orchestra, Thomas Kidman commented on the appointment, saying: ‘We are delighted to welcome Susanna to the esteemed position of Music Director here at the Southampton University Symphony Orchestra. The vacancy attracted over 100 applicants with some very high quality candidates.’ He continued on to state that ‘Susanna’s approach to rehearsals and the professionalism she demands from the members has resulted in some extremely exciting ensemble playing from the orchestra. We look forward greatly to our concert this term, and many other exciting projects to come.’
SUSO perform ‘Winter’s Eve’ on Saturday 26 November at 19:30 in Southampton’s Central Hall. The programme is Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, Prokofiev’s Winter Bonfire Suite (with a children’s choir from Beechwood Junior School and St Anne’s Catholic School) and Glazunov – ‘Autumn’ from ‘The Seasons’. Tickets are £12 adults, £10 senior citizens and students £5, available on the door only.
Check out more about SUSO in the interview below:
