Michael Newnham returns to the PSO for his ninth season as Music Director. Under his leadership, the orchestra has been experiencing a period of unprecedented artistic growth and has reached a record- breaking number of subscribers. A born communicator, Michael’s informal, informative and humorous ‘Meet the Maestro’ preconcert chats have opened the world of music to a wide audience in Peterborough.

Mr. Newnham brings to the PSO a rich background in conducting symphonic, pops, opera and ballet performances throughout Europe, Asia and Canada.

A native of Hamilton, Michael Newnham pursued his musical education at the Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw, the Indiana University School of Music, and the University of Toronto.  While still a student in Poland, he became a member of the Conducting Staff of the Warsaw Chamber Opera, leading performances of Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro’, “Die Zauberfloete” and “Mitridate”, as well as “Il Matrimonio Segreto” 
of D. Cimarosa to great critical acclaim.

In June 2009, Mr. Newnham was appointed Music Director and Principal Conductor of Symphony New Brunswick. He is also currently Music Director of the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir.

Michael’s passion for music education and making music with young people is reflected in his work as Music Director of the Kawartha and Mississauga Youth Orchestras, and as a faculty member of Music at Port Milford and the National Music Camp of Canada.  He has also been Guest Professor of Conducting at the Taegu Hyosung University in South Korea.

The recipient of numerous awards, including ‘Best Operatic Conductor’ from the East Slovakian State Opera and the Order of Merit from the Republic of Poland, Mr. Newnham was recently presented the Turzanski Foundation award for his services in promoting Polish music and culture in Canada.

In his private life, he is married to PSO principal cellist Zuzanna Chomicka-Newnham and has two lovely daughters, Gabriella and Alina. 

Michael’s interests outside of music include languages, literature, cross-country skiing, and exploring the complexities and improbabilities of brewing the perfect cup of coffee.