Board of directors chairwoman Nancy Barteaux said the orchestra was "beyond thrilled to be joining forces with such an exciting and inspiring artist".
“Holly Mathieson is a spectacular musician, a passionate communicator, and a collaborative, highly experienced conductor.
"She shares deeply in our orchestra’s commitment to artistic excellence and community connection, and we know she will become a vital part of our province’s rich musical life.”
Dr Mathieson was offered the position following a long and rigorous audition process, which involved conducting the orchestra in several concerts.
She will take over the Halifax-based position next month, on a three-year contract.
“I’m thrilled to be deepening my relationship with the players, staff, board, and audiences of Symphony Nova Scotia.
“Our two collaborations so far have been a genuine pleasure — musically and personally — and I’m looking forward to exploring how we can serve the Halifax and wider Nova Scotian community even further and more creatively."
Until recently, Dr Mathieson was based in Glasgow and was the assistant conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and resident conductor of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland.
During that time, she has also conducted many of the United Kingdom’s major orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, The Philharmonia, the BBC Philharmonic, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and the Scottish Opera Orchestra.
She is a previous winner of the Taki Concordia Conducting Fellowship, and in 2016 she was named one of New Zealand’s Top 50 Women of Achievement.
