London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has released details of its rejigged conducting line-up for 2016. New principal guest conductor Gianandrea Noseda will share the podium with Michael Tilson Thomas as conductor laureate, and the one and only André Previn as conductor emeritus.
Noseda’s 2016 has reached a quick crescendo, having landed two major jobs in as many months. In January he was announced as music director of Washington’s National Symphony Orchestra, a contract that takes him through the 2021-22 season.
‘I am delighted that Gianandrea will become an even closer member of the LSO family,’ said incoming LSO music director Simon Rattle. ‘I have long admired his music-making, with its unusual marriage of lyricism and drama.’
Previn’s history with LSO goes back some 50 years, with the diminutive German-American serving as principal conductor in the 60s and 70s. Famed for his versatility – and in England for his comedic appearance on the Morecambe and Wise Show – Previn’s crammed mantle piece contains four Academy Awards and 10 Grammys.
As principal conductor from 1988-1995 Tilson Thomas was responsible for creating the Discovery concert lecture series, and has made a number of recordings with LSO. He has been music director of San Francisco Symphony since 1995, the longest serving in its history.
With its new trident of top conductors in place, the way is now paved for Rattle to join in 2017, completing what promises to be an amazing menagerie of maestros. Daniel Harding will share the role of principal guest conductor with Noseda, while Elim Chan continues as assistant conductor.
Noseda leads the orchestra in a programme of works inspired by Shakespeare this Sunday as part of the Shakespeare 400 series of events that marks the 400th anniversary of his death.
This article was corrected 1 March 2016 naming Gianandrea Noseda as principal guest conductor and not principal conductor as previously stated.
