The British composer and conductor takes the reins from Roland Peelman after 25 years.

British composer Antony Pitts has been named as the next Artistic Director of the Song Company. He shall take the reins of Australia’s leading vocal group from Roland Peelman, who steps down as Artistic Director at the end of 2015 after 25 years in the position to focus on his role as Artistic Director of the Canberra International Music Festival.

Pitts’ illustrious and versatile career as a composer, conductor, producer and educator has earned him a world-class reputation in his native Britain. Beginning his close association with choral music as a chorister in the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace, since then Pitts has become one of the UK’s most respected champions of music for the voice, as the founder of the vocal ensemble Tonus Peregrinus, and through his many choral compositions. Pitts was selected for the Song Company’s top job after a global search, and he and his family will be relocating to Australia at the end of the year. Limelight Magazine spoke to Pitts about his new appointment and his vision for the Song Company.