German conductor Dirk Joeres (b. 1947) studied piano, conducting and composition in Berlin, Cologne, London and Paris. He initially established himself as a pianist, winning the Vercelli International Piano Competition in 1972. He expanded his activities into conducting, becoming artistic director of the Westdeutsche Sinfonia in 1987. His acclaimed tours with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London led to his being nominated Associate Guest Conductor of that orchestra in 2000.