Photo via: Julius P. Williams/Facebook
Julius P. Williams has been named the president of the Conductors Guild, making him the first African American to be elected to the role since the organization was founded in 1975.
The Conductors Guild is a global membership-based organization that trains and mentors conductors at all education levels and of many ages and backgrounds. The organization is made up of conductors of symphonies, operas, ballets, bands, and specialized choral performers and chamber ensembles.
New York native Williams began his career in multiple recognizable New York venues, including Carnegie Hall and the Harlem Symphony. He quickly began to tour domestically conducting ensembles and performances for the Armor Artist Chamber Orchestra, the Connecticut Opera, and Kalistos Chamber Orchestra in Boston. He currently serves as a professor in the Composition Department and also as the artistic director and conductor of the Berklee Contemporary Symphony Orchestra at Berklee College of Music in Boston. In addition, he also serves as music director and conductor of Trilogy: An Opera Company in New Jersey and as composer in residence with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
“The appointment of Julius Williams as president of Conductors Guild is both meaningful and newsworthy. Maestro Williams has not only the stellar credentials, but the right vision, breadth, and leadership to set a powerful example for our field,” said Afa S. Dworkin, president and artistic director of the Sphinx Organization.
In addition to planning additional conductor training workshops and various symposia, the Conductors Guild will also be gearing up for their February 2020 international conference.
“Julius Williams is a talented leader with years of experience as a prominent conductor and composer,” said Jesse Rosen, president and CEO of the League of American Orchestras. “I’m delighted that he will take the helm at the Conductors Guild.”
Williams started his two-year term as president on January 3rd. Congratulations Maestro Williams!