EarRelevant Staff | 9 JAN 2024
Philadelphia, PA— The Philadelphia Orchestra announced today the appointment of conductor Marin Alsop, a distinguished MacArthur award winner, as its new principal guest conductor for a three-year term starting in the 2024–25 season. She replaces Philadelphia’s outgoing principal guest conductor, Nathalie Stutzmann, who is currently music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
In her new role with Philadelphia, Alsop will lead multiple subscription concerts, special events, annual summer residencies, and national and international tours, beginning with a tour of China in 2024.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the music and artistic director of The Philadelphia Orchestra, expressed his enthusiasm about Alsop’s appointment, praising her as a “renowned and revolutionary figure in the world of classical music” and highlighting her inspirational impact on younger conductors. Nézet-Séguin anticipates a fruitful partnership with Alsop, emphasizing their shared vision for a bold and inclusive future for The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Reciprocating the excitement of her new position, Alsop responded, “Working with the incredible musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra has always been a musical highlight for me. Having the opportunity now to build on that relationship and join the spectacular artistic team headed by visionary conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin is a dream come true. The Philadelphia Orchestra is committed to changing the future of classical music. I am proud to join this exceptional organization.”
Alsop’s history with The Philadelphia Orchestra dates back to 1990, and she has led 32 concerts with the ensemble since then in a wide range of repertoire, from Romantic symphonies by Brahms, Dvořák, and Tchaikovsky to 20th- and 21st-century works by contemporary composers. Her performances have featured prominent solo artists such as Joshua Bell, Angel Blue, Yo-Yo Ma, Audra McDonald, Itzhak Perlman, and Gil Shaham.
Before assuming her role with The Philadelphia Orchestra this fall, Alsop will make her conducting debut at the Metropolitan Opera, leading John Adams’ El Niño in a new fully-staged production. Other highlights in 2024 include a new production of Bernstein’s Candide with the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony and guest conducting returns to various prestigious orchestras.
Internationally recognized for her innovative approach to programming and audience development, Alsop currently holds positions as chief conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, artistic director and chief conductor of the Polish National Radio Symphony, and principal guest conductor of London’s Philharmonia Orchestra, among others. She is the first and only conductor to receive a MacArthur Fellowship, and her numerous accolades include the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award and the distinction of being the first female conductor of the BBC’s Last Night of the Proms. ■
EXTERNAL LINKS:
- The Philadelphia Orchestra: philorch.org
- Marin Alsop: marinalsop.com
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