Andris Nelsons has taken the top job at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, making him the youngest maestro to lead the orchestra in over 100 years.
The 34-year-old is also the first Latvian-born conductor to take on the post as BSO’s music director – its 15th since the orchestra was founded in 1881. Nelsons – who is represented by Konzertdirektion Schmid – will begin his new role in the 2014-15 season for an initial five years.
This includes between eight and 10 weeks of programmes during the BSO’s 2014-15 subscription season. He will lead 12 weeks of programmes each year from 2015 onwards. The maestro will also conduct several programmes each season at Tanglewood, the orchestra’s summer music festival in western Massachusetts.
BSO board chair Ted Kelly 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 endeavors.’
Nelsons added: ‘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.’
