On 1st September 2021, Tonbridge Philharmonic Society is set to resume a pre-pandemic rehearsal schedule in preparation for its ’75 plus 1’ season, on pause since September 2020. Led by newly appointed Music Director, Naomi Butcher, the new season plans will bring fresh hope to members and audiences, as we look forward to sharing the joy of making music together with people in Tonbridge and the local area.
“I am thrilled to be joining Tonbridge Philharmonic Society as their new Music Director, and can’t wait to get started! The prospect of working intensively with a society that produces such high quality performances while displaying genuine enthusiasm for the music is incredibly exciting. It is a privilege to have been appointed, especially as the society’s first female conductor, and the 2021/22 season promises some fantastic concerts.” Naomi Butcher
Naomi Butcher is a London-based conductor, who currently holds the Junior Fellowship in conducting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She completed her conservatoire studies in Classical Saxophone performance in 2020 and studied conducting under David Corkhill and Tim Redmond throughout her time as a student. Naomi is passionate about education and outreach, and is the founder and artistic director of Snaps Ensemble, an orchestra which performs classical music in unconventional settings. Snaps Ensemble is currently performing Snaps in Schools, a series of concerts in which the ensemble visits primary school halls to play bespoke, interactive orchestral concerts to young audiences who otherwise might not otherwise experience live music. She has also enjoyed serving as Musical Director for King’s College London’s GKT Music Society, and for several community groups, notably the Ealing Songbyrds choir.
“We know that Naomi will help us face our challenges as we re-restablish our music making, and we are sure she will make that challenge fun. We very much look forward to working with her and welcoming her to the society in September.” Robert Skone James, Chair