New leader for Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPO) has announced that Benedikt Fohr will be its new chief executive from 1 April 2019. Fohr replaces Michael MacLeod, who is stepping down after eight years.

Fohr has held a couple of notable roles in Europe, leading Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrücken Kaiserslautern for 12 years and Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra before that. He is also the artistic director for Luxumbourg’s Festival International Echternach.

Stated HKPO board of governors chair Y S Liu: “Benedikt has held executive positions with orchestras in Germany, Austria and Luxembourg, and with his vision, management skills, talents and experience in the arts scene, we are confident that he will lead and drive our orchestra to the next level of excellence.”

Added Fohr: “The orchestra is in excellent artistic shape and the huge success of the Ring Cycle project has once again confirmed the orchestra’s high international standing. Together with Jaap, the many renowned soloists and guest conductors and above all with our first-class musicians, we will continue to delight our audiences over all generations in Hong Kong and around the world.”

As for Macleod, his tenure has been a successful one. The former Glimmerglass artistic director has overseen Hong Kong’s first ever Ring Cycle, as well as the appointment of current music director Jaap van Zweden.

hkphil.org