Auckland-born conductor Tecwyn Evans has been appointed as Erste Kapellmeister und stellvertretender Chefdirigent with Austria's Graz Symphony Orchestra and Opera House.
Evans has close ties with with Christchurch's Southern Opera. He conducted Southern Opera's first event, Opera With the Stars, and will conduct SO's season of Tosca in 2010.
"Tecwyn is very close to our company, having been an important part of our very first season," says Chris Doig, Southern Opera's executive chariman. "His appointment is a significant achievement in the fiercely competitive world of European opera. He will become a vital source of advice and contact point for young New Zealand singers wishing to further their international careers."
Evans is the first New Zealander to have been appointed to such a prestigious position since John Matheson was appointed Erster Kapellmeister in Mannheim, Germany in 1977.
He will take up his appointment in August. In his first year, he will conduct productions of Die Meistersinger, Madama Butterfly, Tosca and The Marriage of Figaro.