Young Israeli composer gets top BBC post

Omer Meir Wellber has been made chief conductor of the BBC Philharmonic orchestra.

The Israeli, hailed by the BBC as “one of the most sought after young conductors of his generation”, will debut in his new role at the BBC Proms in London in September next year.

Wellber, 36, has previous experience with the BBC Philharmonic, having led the orchestra for the first time in March.

He succeeds Spanish maestro Juanjo Mena, who led the BBC Philharmonic from 2011 until August.

Wellber started his musical training at the age of five, playing the accordion and piano.