Alastair Willis
Alastair Willis has been announced as Music Director of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. The 46 year-old Seattle based American conductor succeeds Tsung Yeh, who retired in May 2016 after 28 years in the position. Willis’ four-year contract in South Bend (Indiana) takes effect July 1.
Born in Acton, Mass., Willis lived with his family in Moscow for five years before settling in Surrey, England. He received his Bachelor’s degree with honours from England’s Bristol University, an Education degree from Kingston University and a Master of music degree from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music.
Willis recently completed a successful four-year tenure as Music Director of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Previous positions include Principal Guest Conductor with the Florida Orchestra’s Coffee Concert series 2008-2011, Associate Conductor of the Seattle Symphony 2000-2003, Assistant Conductor with the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestras, and Music Director of the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra.
