Renowned conductor Andris Nelsons has extended his contract at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

CBSO officials praised the “chemistry” which Mr Nelsons had fostered with the players and hailed a string of “electric” performances.

He will be extending his contract with the CBSO on the basis of an annual rolling renewal from the 2014/15 season onwards.

Nelsons was unanimously invited to be Music Director from 2008 by the CBSO’s players and board of trustees, after just a private concert and recording session.

Since his appointment, highlights have been performances such as Wagner’s Lohengrin and the 50th Anniversary performance of Britten’s War Requiem in Coventry Cathedral.

Stephen Maddock, chief executive of the CBSO, said: “The chemistry between Andris and the musicians and audiences of the CBSO family has always been very special and there have been many electric performances and recordings since his appointment here.

“As we start our Beethoven cycle in Birmingham, visit the BBC Proms, the Edinburgh International Festival, and depart for a major European Summer Tour, including a five day residency at the Lucerne Festival, we are delighted to confirm the extension of this relationship and look forward to sharing our plans for the future in due course.”

Mr Nelsons said: “My colleagues and friends in the CBSO family are very important to me and it is a great pleasure to be continuing our partnership into future seasons. We have shared many wonderful experiences over the last four years and I am looking forward to exploring more thrilling music together. It is a privilege to be working with this fantastic orchestra and to represent Birmingham together across the world. I look forward, in hope, to the continuation of the wonderful support that we have gratefully received from our many audiences and partners.”

Over the summer, Nelsons and the CBSO will be appearing at some of the most prestigious European festivals, including their residency at the Lucerne Festival with the CBSO Chorus. Highlights in the 2012-13 season include Mahler’s momentous Resurrection Symphony, Wagner’s romantic opera The Flying Dutchman and a Beethoven cycle which features all of the great composer’s symphonies.

l For full details on the 2012-13 season or to find out more visit www.cbso.co.uk.