Antony Hermus

Antony Hermus, born in Oosterhout in 1973, is a Dutch conductor with a wide-ranging career across opera and the concert hall. Trained as a pianist before turning to conducting, he made his name in the German opera system, serving as General Music Director at Dessau, and has since become chief conductor of the Belgian National Orchestra and a sought-after guest with orchestras across Europe and beyond. He has also been principal guest conductor of the North Netherlands Orchestra, and in 2027 becomes chief conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Admired for his energy, communicative warmth and advocacy of a broad repertoire, including the music of under-represented composers, he is an apt choice to lead this ‘Mind the Gap’ festival programme spotlighting Black American composers.