Thomas Zehetmair, Music Director of Northern Sinfonia, orchestra of The Sage Gateshead, has been awarded an honorary degree from Newcastle University. Zehetmair, who picked up the award on Friday, did not give a traditional speech when he became an honorary Doctor of Music (DMus), instead he showed his thanks by performing Heinz Holliger's Souvenir of Newcastle on the violin. The conductor, violinist and chamber musician will also host a master class for postgraduate music students.
As Music Director of Northern Sinfonia, Zehetmair is based at The Sage Gateshead. He also holds the posts of Artistic Partner of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, USA, and Principal Conductor and Artistic Adviser of the Orchestre de Chambre de Paris.
Professor Eric Cross, Dean of Cultural Affairs at Newcastle University said: “Thomas Zehetmair is an outstanding musician whose talents are recognised internationally. I am extremely proud that Newcastle University is honouring him and his achievements.”