Lucerne Symphony Orchestra (LCO) has announced Michael Sanderling as its next chief conductor. The German was unanimously elected by its board of directors.
Sanderling first made his name as a cellist before becoming chief conductor for Dresden Philharmonic, a role he stepped down from earlier this year. He has become a favourite with LCO, and has already performed with them several times this year.
He will succeed current chief conductor James Gaffigan, who has been at the helm since 2011, at the start of the 2021-22 season.
Said LCO in a statement: “Following his recent collaborations that had deepened his familiarity and relationship with the musicians…it was determined that Sanderling was the ideal candidate for the role, supported by the unanimous consent of the musicians.”
It continued: “Sanderling not only excels in the core repertoire for which LCO is renowned, he is also to be known as a symphonic expert, who is keen to broaden the orchestra’s associations with other composers, particularly the late romantic works of Bruckner, Mahler and Strauss.”
