CANBERRA International Music Festival has announced that Eugene Ughetti has been appointed its next artistic director.

Ughetti, a noted composer, performer, conductor and director, will succeed Roland Peelman in July 2024.

He has in the past been the recipient of   the inaugural Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship, the MCA/Freedman Fellowship for Classical Music, and Australia Council OZCO Creative Music Fellowship, and Art Music Awards for his work with Speak Percussion.

He has composed works for The Australian Ballet, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, ABC and Bionics Institute, and has worked with some of the world’s finest conductors including Valery Gergiev, James Levine and Charles Dutoit.

Ughetti declared himself “thrilled”, adding: “CIMF stands as one of Australia’s most distinguished art music festivals, set against the backdrop of world-class institutions, remarkable architecture, and breathtaking sites. It boasts a rich legacy of excellence and innovation, having been a catalyst for numerous new Australian compositions. All of this unfolds within the vibrant context of a progressive and intellectually driven city.”

The festival also said its move to a five-day event next year from May 3-7 was in response to audience demand and that it had negotiated a partnership with the Snow Concert Hall for evening performances but that it would  present around 20 concerts across Canberra in multiple venues.