The Jacksonville Symphony has extended Music Director Courtney Lewis’s contract until June 2032. Appointed in 2015, Lewis has shaped an ambitious artistic programme that has expanded the orchestra’s repertoire and strengthened its artistic profile. Prior to this role, Lewis served as Assistant Conductor of the New York Philharmonic and has appeared with leading orchestras in the United States and Europe.
Myung-Whun Chung has been appointed Music Director of the KBS Symphony Orchestra from 2026. One of the most respected conductors of his generation, Chung has held a series of leading international posts, including Music Director of the Opéra Bastille and Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, and Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2023, he was named Honorary Conductor of the Filarmonica della Scala, the first in the orchestra’s history, and from 2027, he will assume the role of Music Director of Teatro alla Scala, succeeding Riccardo Chailly.
Thierry Fischer has had his tenure extended as Music Director and Principal Conductor of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra (OSESP) until the end of 2031. Appointed in 2020, Fischer has played a central role in shaping the orchestra’s artistic identity, combining core symphonic repertoire with contemporary creation and long-term repertoire planning.
Gregory Vajda has been appointed Principal Conductor of the Transylvania State Philharmonic, marking a new chapter for the Romanian orchestra. A leading figure in contemporary and symphonic repertoire, Vajda has served since 2011 as Music Director of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and became Principal Conductor of the Savaria Symphony Orchestra in 2022. His recent appointments include Associate Principal Conductor of the French contemporary ensemble Ars Nova (2024–26), alongside his roles as Artistic Director of the UMZE New Music Ensemble and Programme Director of the Peter Eötvös Contemporary Music Foundation.
