Brent Stewart is a leading New Zealand conductor, percussionist, and pianist, acclaimed for his versatility across orchestral, choral, and contemporary music. Known for his musical fluency and energy, he brings creativity and precision to everything from symphonic premieres to genre-defying collaborations.
As Music Director of Orpheus Choir Wellington, Brent has led the ensemble through a period of remarkable growth and renewed artistic ambition. Now New Zealand’s largest symphonic choir, it performs regularly with the country’s leading orchestras and delivers bold, large-scale performances that resonate with emotional power.
Brent’s conducting work spans the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Dunedin Symphony Orchestra and more. He maintains a long-standing relationship with Orchestra Wellington, having first appeared on the podium as its inaugural intern assistant conductor under Music Director, Marc Taddei.
A passionate advocate for New Zealand composers, Brent has premiered major works by Claire Cowan, Karlo Margetic, Lucy Mulgan, Dame Gillian Whitehead, and Takerei Komene. His projects move fluidly between classical and contemporary, including Synthony, Mana Moana with Signature Choir and the NZSO, and Benee Live with the NZSO.
Brent is also in demand as a percussionist and pianist, performing regularly with orchestras. He is Assistant Director and pianist for the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir, and remains deeply committed to mentoring, adjudicating, and educational outreach.
Beyond the podium, Brent works as a producer and arranger. Recent highlights include orchestral recording work for Nickelodeon’s Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie and music arrangements for the New Zealand feature film Tinā.
