The music director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has taken up a new position in the US.
Andris Nelsons has been appointed as music director for Boston Symphony Orchestra but will still remain at his post with CBSO.
The conductor, who still lives in his home town of Riga, Latvia, will make his first trip to Boston next month.
Nelsons has been music director of the CBSO since 2008 and has become one of the most sought after young conductors on the international scene. His current contract with the Birmingham orchestra runs until 2015.
This latest announcement may quash rumours that Nelsons was lined up to replace Antonio Pappano as music director at the Royal Opera House or take over Simon Rattle’s position as music director of Berliner Philharmoniker after his departure in 2018.
Mr Nelsons said: “I am deeply honoured and touched that the Boston Symphony Orchestra has appointed me its next music director, as it is one of the highest achievements a conductor could hope for in his lifetime.
“Each time I have worked with the BSO I have been inspired by how effectively it gets to the heart of the music, always leaving its audience with a great wealth of emotions. So it is with great joy that I truly look forward to joining this wonderful musical family and getting to know the beautiful city of Boston and the community that so clearly loves its great orchestra. As I consider my future with the Boston Symphony, I imagine us working closely together to bring the deepest passion and love that we all share for music to ever greater numbers of music fans in Boston, at Tanglewood, and throughout the world.”
Stephen Maddock, chief executive of the CBSO, said the appointment was great news for the city and for the CBSO.
He added: “This appointment to one of the world’s most distinguished orchestras is a real accolade for Andris, and we are delighted for him. During his time at the CBSO, he has proved himself to be amongst the very best conductors in the world, and it is testament to his extraordinary talent that he has secured this major role at such a young age. Of course, we also believe this is a reflection of Birmingham’s continued excellent taste in music directors.
“Andris’ rolling contract with the CBSO is currently in place until the end of the 2014/15 season, and there will be no change to his commitment to Birmingham during this time. It is not unusual for a conductor of Andris’ stature to hold more than one position, and we will make an announcement about future seasons beyond 2015 later this year. In the meantime, we all congratulate him on his success and look forward to our next concerts with him in May and June, including an eight concert European tour.”
At 34 years old, Andris Nelsons is the youngest music director to lead the Boston Symphony Orchestra in more than 100 years and is also the first Latvian-born conductor to take on the post.
Ted Kelly, chairman of the BSO board of trustees, said: “It is absolutely thrilling for us to announce the appointment of Andris Nelsons as the next Boston Symphony Orchestra Music Director.
“Sought after by the top orchestras and opera houses of the world, Maestro Nelsons, at age 34, is already considered one of the most brilliant conductors of our time. We are very fortunate that Mr Nelsons, as the BSO’s next music director, will bring his extraordinary ability to lead powerfully moving and insightful performances to the next chapter in the orchestra’s storied history. As the BSO continues to realize its mission of bringing the highest standards of music making to an ever-growing live and online audience, I believe Andris Nelsons’ unique creativity and visionary instincts will bring a remarkable inspiration to all the BSO’s endeavours.”
Prior to his Boston visit in June, Nelsons will guest conduct Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw Orchestra, Munich’s Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and Leipzig’s Gewandhaus Orchestra, as well as lead concerts with the CBSO at Symphony Hall in Birmingham and on tour in seven cities in Germany, Belgium, and France.
