Simon Rivard named new Music Director of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra
After a thorough 18-month search, the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra (NSO) has found its new artistic leader: acclaimed Canadian conductor Simon Rivard. The appointment, effective June 1, marks a bold new chapter for the NSO as it continues to expand its reach and artistic excellence.
Rivard, who takes over from longtime Music Director Marc David, impressed both audiences and orchestra members during the search process, conducting NSO’s Masterworks 1 in September 2024 and Sinfonia 2 in January 2025.
“We are so delighted with the outcome of this search, and the level of engagement we have seen with our musicians and our community over the past 18 months,” said Hugh Donnan, NSO CEO. “We feel that Simon will bring exceptional artistic leadership to the NSO, and continue the development and professionalization of the orchestra as we strive to take our place among the leading orchestras in Canada.”
The NSO’s selection process was both collaborative and community-driven, involving a search committee made up of musicians, board members, and local stakeholders. Finalists participated in interviews, education activities, and performances, with feedback gathered from orchestra members, the Philharmonic Choir, and NSO audiences alike.
Rivard expressed both humility and excitement at the appointment. “It is an honour to have been chosen by my colleagues of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra to lead them into this exciting new chapter of their artistic life,” he said. “In the coming years, we will pull all the stops to develop the unique musical voice of the NSO and share this voice with as many members of our community, across all ages and backgrounds.”
A native of Montréal, Rivard studied violin and conducting at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal and McGill University. He is currently Music Director of the Edmonton Opera and has appeared with leading ensembles including Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, Orchestre Métropolitain, Opéra de Montréal, and orchestras in Switzerland and Sweden. From 2018 to 2022, he served as Resident Conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, mentored by Gustavo Gimeno.
In addition to his busy conducting schedule, Rivard has worked with an impressive roster of soloists including Barbara Hannigan, Kerson Leong, Charles Richard-Hamelin, and Julie Boulianne.
He will return to St. John’s later this month as the NSO unveils its 2025–26 season on June 26—a season that now begins with renewed momentum and a fresh artistic vision under his baton.