January is turning out to be a stellar month for Marin Alsop. Just a few days ago the American conductor picked up an ABO Award, and now she has been named as the next chief conductor of ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra (Vienna RSO).
Alsop will lead the ensemble from 1 September 2019 onwards, with a wide portfolio that includes tours, recordings and broadcasts. She first worked with the orchestra in 2014 on a programme of Bernstein and Mahler. Her next scheduled appearance with Vienna RSO is in autumn 2018.
“I am very excited about the prospect of collaborating with Vienna RSO,” said Alsop. “We share the same enthusiasm for expanding the repertoire and for connecting with new audiences. I am deeply moved by the fact that the players instigated my appointment and I can’t wait to start this journey with them, working closely with the orchestra’s partners in Vienna, across Austria and beyond.”
Added managing director Dr Christoph Becher: “After the orchestra’s musicians performed with Marin in Vienna in 2014 they unanimously put her forward as their new chief conductor. I particularly enjoyed our passionate and extensive exchanges on contemporary music and the importance of concerts for children and young people.”
Alsop succeeds Cornelius Meister, who has led the orchestra since 2010. Vienna RSO will celebrate its 50th anniversary during Alsop’s first season.
