Our Maestro

Michael Newnham returns for his third season as Music Director of the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir. He brings a rich experience in conducting symphonic, choral and operatic programmes throughout Europe, Asia and Canada.


A native of Hamilton, Michael Newnham pursued his musical education at the Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw, the Indiana University School of Music, and the University of Toronto.


While still a student, he became a member of the Conducting Staff of the Warsaw Chamber Opera, leading performances of Mozart's "Le Nozze di Figaro", "Die Zauberfloete" and "Mitridate", as well as "Il Matrimonio Segreto" of D. Cimarosa to great critical acclaim.

He has been Guest Professor of Conducting at the Taegu Hyosung University in South Korea.

The recipient of numerous awards, including 'Best Operatic Conductor' from the East Slovakian State Opera and the Order of Merit from the Republic of Poland, he was recently presented the Turzanski Foundation award for his services in promoting Polish music and culture in Canada.

In June 2009, Mr. Newnham was appointed Music Director of Symphony New Brunswick.

Along with this, Michael is also Music Director of the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, the Mississauga Youth Orchestra and the Kawartha Youth Orchestra.

His passion for music education and making music with young people is reflected in his work as a faculty member of Music at Port Milford and the National Music Camp of Canada.