BBC Philharmonic Orchestra appoints Joshua Weilerstein as next Chief Conductor

The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra reveals the visit of Joshua Weilerstein as its next Chief Conductor, using up the post in September 2028.

Understood for his exhilarating live efficiencies and vibrant existence on the podium, Weilerstein shares the BBC Philharmonic Orchestras enthusiasm for development and musical experience. He is devoted to sharing symphonic music with the largest possible audience, on and off the platform, integrating advocacy for both recognized work of arts and works by underrepresented authors.

His consultation develops on a strong relationship with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, established through seriously well-known efficiencies in Manchester and at the BBC Proms, showing his creative technique to collection and the fresh insight he gives developed works. His 2025 Proms look with Martin Frst included clarinet concertos by Copland and Artie Shaw along with Elsa Barraines Second Symphony and Rachmaninovs Symphonic Dances. In Manchester in April 2026, he carried out Duke Ellingtons Harlem, Kapustins Fourth Piano Concerto with Frank Dupree, and Dvořks New World Symphony. Weilerstein brings a cravings for discovery that guarantees an engaging next chapter for the orchestra and its audiences.

Weilerstein takes pleasure in a thriving performing profession around the world, frequently carrying out leading orchestras consisting of the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Bavarian Radio Symphony and Dresden Staatskapelle. He is Music Director of the Orchestre National de Lille, and will conclude his period as Chief Conductor of the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra at the end of the 27/28 Season.

In addition to his work performing at the greatest worldwide level, Weilerstein is likewise a knowledgeable speaker and broadcaster, making him a perfect partner for the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. He is a proficient musical communicator in the custom of Leonard Bernstein; his podcast Sticky Notes has actually been downloaded over 9 million times in 185 nations.

Joshua Weilerstein, Chief Conductor Designate, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, states; I am beyond delighted and honoured to end up being the next Chief Conductor of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Since my very first time carrying out the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra almost 10 years back, I have actually felt such a strong musical connection with this fantastic orchestra.

Through their interest, their engagement, their wonderful sense of humour, and large dazzling capability, I have actually discovered every one of our shows and studio recordings to be so musically satisfying and pleasing, and I count a few of our efficiencies as genuine highlights in my life as a conductor. Im so thrilled to be familiar with our audiences in both Manchester and Salford, also throughout the UK and the world with our existence on the BBC. Im so honoured to use up this function and I cant wait to begin.

Adam Szabo, Director of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra states; Joshua Weilerstein is a dream finalizing for the BBC Phil. Liked by the orchestra, Weilerstein is a born communicator; a charming and compassionate musical leader who motivates efficiencies of a really first-rate requirement. He is a champ of musical works that have actually been ignored by history, and brings an entirely engaging and absolutely fresh view to the excellent works of the orchestral canon. We cant wait to invite him in 2028 as our brand-new Chief Conductor.

Weilerstein is designated on a preliminary five-year agreement prospering John Storgrds, who will handle the title of Conductor Laureate at the conclusion of his period, continuing his close relationship with the orchestra.

The orchestras abundant musical heritage has actually been formed by succeeding generations of conductors given that its starting in Manchester in 1922. From its starts as a radio orchestra to its global acknowledgment today, its musical identity has actually been created by Charles Groves, John Hopkins, George Hurst, Bryden Thomson, Raymond Leppard, Edward Downes, Yan Pascal Tortelier, Gianandrea Noseda, Juanjo Mena, Omer Meir Wellber and John Storgrds. Storgrds stays Chief Conductor through to the end of the 2027/28 Season, with a considerable program of efficiencies in Manchester and beyond. His visit as Conductor Laureate will extend a collaboration that started when he signed up with the orchestra as Principal Guest Conductor in 2012, before ending up being Chief Conductor in 2022.

By the conclusion of his period in Summer 2028, Storgrds and the orchestra will have shared over 125 efficiencies throughout more than 15 years, integrating an affinity for Nordic collection with significant symphonic cycles and modern voices. Emphasizes consist of the 2019 opening night of Weinbergs Dawn, and efficiencies at the 2025 BBC Proms of Shostakovichs Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk and the opening night of Tom Coults Monologues for the Curious. Their collaboration made a 2023 election for Gramophones Orchestra of the Year, while their well-known recordings consist of luxury releases of the Elgar and Ads Violin Concertos with Christian Tetzlaff and Antheils Orchestral Works, Volume 3, a Gramophone Critics Choice and Sunday Times Classical Album of the Week for Shostakovichs Symphony No. 11, and a Gramophone Editors Choice for Weinbergs Dawn. International looks have actually consisted of La Seine Musicale in Paris and the 2025 Beijing Music Festival, including the Asian best of Huang Ruos City of Floating Sounds together with Prokofiev and Shostakovich.