Gregory Squire is the new Music Director for the Wellington Youth Orchestra. He succeeds Marc Taddei who resigned late last year after 10 years with the orchestra.
In announcing the appointment, WYO chairman Sally Baber said, "This is a very exciting development. We feel that the international experience and boundless energy Gregory brings to the position will ensure the orchestra continues to develop and provide a valuable and rewarding experience for young musicians in the Wellington area."
Since his return to New Zealand after 20 years in the U.K. Gregory has rapidly become one of New Zealand's most sought after musicians.
He appears regularly both as soloist and conductor within New Zealand to consistent acclaim.
"This performance of the Four Seasons was stunning. Wellington Sinfonia players were led by Gregory Squire playing the brilliant solo.
….His playing threw caution to the winds …with as exciting, and at times frenzied, a performance, matched in warmth and spirit from the orchestra, as I have heard."
The Dominion Post.

His range of repertoire is encyclopaedic, spanning 11 centuries of music from the medieval to the present day, and his commitment to making all music sound as if freshly composed ensures dynamic and captivating performances.

"The (Lutoslawski) Partita was extraordinary… supercharged playing…. totally compelling, totally convincing."
The Dominion Post.

Born in Waipukurau, Gregory Squire began playing the violin at the age of 11, and, in 1975, was awarded an Associated Board Scholarship to the Royal College of Music, studying violin with Jaroslav Vanecek and conducting with Norman Del Mar.

As a member of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra he began their now internationally renowned education and outreach work and this work continued in 2000 when the NZSO appointed him as their first Education Development Officer.

Throughout his professional career Squire has been involved with young musicians. In the UK he regularly conducted youth and university orchestras and in New Zealand this has continued. He was conductor of Massey Chamber Orchestra prior to the formation of the New Zealand School of Music and he continues to be involved there, last year conducting their Opera production.

"This experience along with his natural ability to communicate his knowledge and understanding of music to young musicians will be enormously beneficial for the orchestra." Sally Baber said.

In accepting the position Squire said; "I am very excited at being appointed to succeed Marc Taddei. He has inspired a whole generation of young musicians and I'm looking forward to carrying on his vision and continuing to introduce these talented young people to the richness and diversity of the symphonic repertoire."