Current Musical Director of MTSO

Kineth Ekanayake 2026

Kineth Ekanayake is a bright young musician and conductor, passionate about a career in orchestral music. He currently studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, undergoing a Bachelor of Music Education (Performance) program.

Whilst studying, Kineth is actively engaged in music education and performance. As an educator, he conducts the string program in Randwick Public School, running two ensembles, and conducts the string ensemble at Broughton Anglican College. Additionally, Kineth works for the Sydney Youth Orchestra as an orchestral assistant, working closely with experienced music educators Martyn Hentschel and Chris Hayles.

Kineth is active as a musician and conductor. He is a current member of the Sydney Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, holding a leadership position as the principal violist. He has been conducting for three years, beginning at just age fifteen.  Kineth participated in the Australian Band and Orchestra Director’s Association conducting course, where he conducted the NSW Police Band, and has studied under John Buckley, former conductor of the MTSO.

Kineth aspires to study internationally and to ultimately conduct some of the world's most prestigious orchestras. His vision for music education and performance highlights a deep desire that music be inclusive and available to all. He values conducting and performance as a way of telling a story and sharing his passion for music. By viewing music as a universal language rather than an elitist skill, he prioritises community connection alongside high artistic ambition.