Spanish conductor Jaime Martín has been named as the next music director of Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO). Martín will serve as music director designate during the 2018-19 season before taking on the full role in 2019-20.
It has been something of a whirlwind romance for LACO and Martín, as he only made his debut with the ensemble in September, 2017. Los Angeles Times critic Richard Ginell praised that performance for its “flowing, swaying rhythm”, adding that he coaxed “lovely phrasing” from the wind section.
“Los Angeles is unique in its energy, not least because of an enormous range of creative industries, and I feel it offers a huge artistic scope,” said Martín on his appointment. “I’m eager to start planning my first season and look forward to following in the incredible footsteps of Sir Neville Marriner and Jeffrey Kahane to build upon their work and bring LACO even further recognition.”
As music director designate, Martín will conduct a new piece by Bryce Dessner during the 2018-19 season. From 2019-20 he will conduct several performances each year and take charge of the ensemble’s artistic direction.
Martín will continue in his roles as artistic director and principal conductor at Gävle Symphony Orchestra, chief conductor of Orquestra de Cadaqués and artistic director at the Santander International Festival.
