Tenerife Symphony Orchestra (OST) has appointed Antonio Mendez as its principal conductor. It is the 34-year-old Spaniard’s first permanent orchestral position.
Mendez first led the orchestra back in 2016, performing works by Korngold and Rachmaninov. He has played with the Santa Cruz de Tenerife-based orchestra a number of times since, leading to the offer of a three-year contract. He will take up his position from the start of the 2018-19 season.
Enthused the conductor: “There was an instant connection the first time that we worked together – their rich and deep sound, their energy and open approach to music captivated me immediately; I am delighted to be taking over the position of principal conductor with OST.
“I am looking forward to continue sharing our love for music and developing together, and I am thrilled to become the leader of an orchestra with such potential; we are ready for this new adventure and I am convinced the audience can look forward to exciting things ahead of us!”
Added OST general manager Miquel Angel Parera: “During the last concerts with the OST, his passion, energy and commitment with music brought our orchestra and our audience joy and pleasure. This is for us now a natural step after the great trajectory of common work and understanding.”