The BBC Symphony Orchestra has extended Dalia Stasevska’s contract as Principal Guest Conductor until September 2027. Appointed in 2019 as the youngest person and first woman in the role, Stasevska has conducted tours in Japan, Germany and the UK and released her solo debut album, Dalia’s Mixtape, featuring the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Riccardo Frizza has been appointed as the new Artistic Director of the Donizetti Opera Festival, following his successful tenure as Music Director since 2017. This appointment comes after Frizza’s recent eight-city tour conducting the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason throughout the UK. Frizza succeeds Francesco Micheli, who is stepping down after completing his term.
Jonathon Heyward’s contract as Music Director of the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center has been extended until the end of the 2029 season, and his title has been expanded to Music Director & Artistic Director. Under his leadership, the orchestra will continue its innovative programming that blends contemporary and classical works, including premieres by composers such as James Lee III, Billy Childs and Jessie Montgomery, alongside classical works by Beethoven, Mozart and Clara Schumann. Heyward’s tenure emphasises accessibility and innovation, with initiatives like Choose-What-You-Pay ticketing, collaborations with educational programmes and a multi-year exploration of Mozart’s “Da Ponte” operas beginning in 2027.
The Jersey Symphony Orchestra (JSO) has appointed Natalia Luis-Bassa as its new Musical Director for a three-year term. Luis-Bassa, a Professor of Conducting at the Royal College of Music and Principal Guest Conductor of the Oxford University Orchestra, has previously conducted the JSO to widespread acclaim. Her appointment aims to strengthen the orchestra’s community engagement and youth education initiatives, with her next appearance scheduled for the JSO summer concert in August 2025.
Martin Rajna has been appointed as the next Music Director of the Luxembourg Philharmonic. Rajna, who at the age of 27 became Principal Conductor of the Hungarian State Opera, will begin his tenure at the beginning of the 2026-27 season. He takes over from Gustavo Gimeno, who has been with the orchestra since 2015.
The Orquesta y Coro Nacionales de España has appointed Kent Nagano as its next Chief Conductor and Artistic Director. The renowned maestro, who has signed a five-year contract, will begin his role in September 2026 and will conduct the orchestra in eight programmes per season, plus touring and recordings.
Prague Summer Nights: Young Artists Music Festival has announced that celebrated conductor Marin Alsop will join its 10th anniversary season this year as a Distinguished Guest Conductor. Alsop will lead masterclasses in the PSN Apprentice Conducting Program and conduct Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony at the Burgher’s Hall in Plzeň.
Hannu Lintu will serve as the new Music Director of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO). Lintu, who takes over from Hans Graf, has signed an initial three-year contract, which will begin from the 2026-27 season. Additionally, he will conduct the SSO for a two-week period during the 2025-26 season as Music Director Designate.
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has appointed Benjamin Northey as its new Conductor-in-Residence, building on a relationship that began nearly 25 years ago. In his new role, Northey aims to celebrate Australian music and musicians, introducing more performances to audiences across Sydney and regional areas. As part of his responsibilities, Northey will lead the orchestra’s Regional Tour next year and conduct the first Teachers Conducting Masterclass to support music educators.
Delyana Lazarova has been appointed as Principal Guest Conductor of the Utah Symphony. Lazarova, who made her debut with the orchestra in May 2024, will begin an initial two-year contract beginning at the start of the 2025-26 season.