Young Shropshire conductor jetting in for debut leading BBC Proms orchestra
An up-and-coming young conductor from Shropshire will make his BBC Proms debut this summer.
Ben Gernon will lead the Scottish Chamber Orchestra on the 70th prom of the event at London's Royal Albert Hall on September 8.
The concert will celebrate the 80th birthday of Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, a leading figure in contemporary British music.
Ben, 24, and formerly of Newport, said: "I never expected this. It's a great privilege.
"This is something I want to do forever and it's a big step in my career. There is a lot of hard work and studying ahead.
"It's a bit daunting and the pressure will be on, but I'm really looking forward to it."
The BBC Proms run from July 18 to September 13, with 76 proms in total.
Ben is originally from Essex but moved to Newport with his family when he was young.
He went to Moorfield Primary School before moving on to Adams' Grammar, where his love of music started to blossom.
He said: "I started conducting while at Adams', working with the school orchestra from the age of 15.
"The school was immensely supportive and I was able to put on my own concerts."
Michael Barratt, headmaster at Adams', said the school was proud of Ben's achievements. He said: "Ben was recognised and respected for his exceptional musical talent.
"He could be said to be part of the musical revolution that has taken place at the school, which now sees music at the heart of school life, and has led to the development of our magnificent new music and performing arts centre.
"Ben started conducting whilst at Adams' as well as playing the tuba and piano in numerous school and house events.
"He was also a keen rugby player and is remembered fondly by all of the staff at the school as being extremely modest for such a talented musician.
"We wish Ben all the very best for the Proms and hope to offer current pupils the opportunity to watch the concert," he added.
Ben is currently in Los Angeles as part of his involvement with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, where he works alongside famous conductor and violinist Gustavo Dudamel.
Last year BBC Music Magazine featured him as its rising star of the future.
His Proms appearance will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and then on BBC Four three days later.
