William Rowson

Bio

Conductor William Rowson is proving to be one of the most able and versatile young conductors in Canada. Currently in his third season as the assistant conductor of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, He has led the orchestra in over 100 performances ranging from Kids concerts to the VSO’s Annex series as well as the ever popular Tea and Trumpets series. Through his work with the VSO’s education department he has performed for over 70,000 elementary school students. He has collaborated with such artists as Jann Arden, Chris Botti, Chris Hadfield, Fred Penner and the Hot Sardines.

An active composer as well as conductor, Rowson recently had his Fanfare for Canada’s 150th premiered by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra conducted by Thomas Dausgaard. In August 2018, his Short Variations on Waves was given its premiere by the Ensemble Made in Canada at the Festival of the Sound, and will be performed in every province in Canada this season. Rowson recently composed the music for the upcoming feature length film Brotherhood. A strong advocate for music by Canadian composers, Rowson has conducted the premieres over 60 new works.

Bill grew up in musical family, starting the violin at age 3 in his hometown of Saskatoon. He began conducting while a student at the Curtis Institute of Music. In addition to his work with the VSO, Rowson has been the Principal conductor of the Stratford Symphony Orchestra since 2015.