Marin Alsop Appointed Principal Guest Conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra

By Laurie Niles: On Tuesday The Philadelphia Orchestra announced the appointment of Marin Alsop as its new Principal Guest Conductor, with a three-year term beginning in the 202425 season. In this new role, she will lead the orchestra in multiple subscription concerts, special events, annual summer residencies and tours, starting with a tour of China in 2024.

Conductor Marin Alsop. Photo by @ogata_photo.

"Marin Alsop is a renowned and revolutionary figure in the world of classical music, and one of the foremost conductors of our time," said Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Music and Artistic Director of The Philadelphia Orchestra. "A torchbearer, she inspires generations of young conductors to pursue their dreams. She has always had a clear and insightful vision of the role of orchestras in our society, and I know she will be a tremendous partner as we continue to forge a bold and inclusive future for The Philadelphia Orchestra. I look forward to experiencing her innovative and inspiring approach with this legendary ensemble of musicians." Alsop, who was Music Director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for 14 years, has blazed a trail for female conductors over her long career - she was the first woman to serve as the head of a major orchestra in the United States, South America, Austria and Britain. Currently she is in her fifth season as Chief Conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, her first as Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Polish National Radio Symphony and her first as Principal Guest Conductor of Londons Philharmonia Orchestra. The first and only conductor to receive a MacArthur Fellowship, Alsop has also been honored with the World Economic Forums Crystal Award, and she made history as the first female conductor of the BBCs Last Night of the Proms. Alsop first appeared with the The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1990 and since then has led 32 concerts with the orchestra. Working with the incredible musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra has always been a musical highlight for me," Alsop said. "Having the opportunity now to build on that relationship, and join the spectacular artistic team headed by visionary conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, is a dream come true. The Philadelphia Orchestra is committed to changing the future of classical music. I am proud to join this exceptional organization." You might also like:

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