Austrian violinist and conductor Thomas Zehetmair commits to Northern Sinfonia

Thomas Zehetmair has signed a new contract with the Northern Sinfonia, the orchestra of The Sage Gateshead in the UK. The 48-year-old Austrian violinist and conductor, who became the orchestra's music director in 2001, will now remain in the position until at least August 2014.

Under the terms of the new contract, Zehetmair will spend more time with the orchestra and become involved with The Sage Gateshead's learning and participation programme, taking masterclasses and conducting a regional youth orchestra.