Brent Stewart

Brent Stewart conducts Mana Moana.

Brent Stewart is a leading New Zealand conductor, percussionist, and pianist. This year, alongside the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, he conducted performances with the Auckland Philharmonia, Orchestra Wellington, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, St Matthew's Chamber Orchestra, and Manukau Symphony Orchestra.

His current roles include Music Director of Orpheus Choir Wellington, Assistant Conductor and Pianist of the New Zealand Secondary Students' Choir, as well as Principal Percussion and Acting Section Principal Timpani of Orchestra Wellington.

A champion of New Zealand composers, Brent has premiered numerous percussion, orchestral, and choral works to critical acclaim. In 2007, he premiered Karlo Margetic's Xylophone Concerto with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Last year, he served as the assistant conductor for Claire Cowan's Cinderella with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. In 2021, Brent conducted the New Zealand premiere of Red! by New Zealand composer Lucy Mulgan, with New Zealand Opera. In 2024, Brent will conduct the premiere of a significant choral/orchestral commission in honour of the 28th Māori Battalion, composed by Takerei Komene.

Brent's diverse repertoire also includes contemporary pop collaborations, such as Synthony, a fusion of electronic dance music with a symphony orchestra. He also conducted Benee live with the NZSO.

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Brent has made significant contributions to music education, formerly serving as Head of Music at Wellington East Girls' College for nine years.