NZSO Music Director adds another string to his bow

NZSO Music Director adds another string to his bow

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce that Music Director Pietari Inkinen will assume the role of Chief Conductor of the Prague Symphony Orchestra in September 2015.

NZSO Chief Executive, Christopher Blake says: “Working in Prague, at the cultural heart of the orchestral homeland, provides extraordinary opportunities for Pietari and, in turn, the NZSO.

“The NZSO is delighted to continue its ongoing relationship with our exceptional Music Director and we look forward to showcasing Maestro Inkinen in future seasons, including our 2015 Season highlight - the monumental Inkinen Festival.”

Pietari, now 34, is currently in his eighth season as Music Director of the NZSO. Next June, he will conduct the Inkinen Festival featuring two programmes: Hilary Hahn plays Beethoven and the Wagner Gala.

Since joining the NZSO in 2008, Inkinen’s work with the NZSO has been internationally acclaimed with critics lauding his “bold, sure-footed intelligence” (Guardian) and describing him as having “confidence and talent to spare” (Gramophone).

Highlights include leading the NZSO on its 2010 international tour to Vienna, Lucerne, Geneva, Frankfurt and Hamburg with soloist Hilary Hahn, recording the complete cycle of Sibelius symphonies (Naxos), conducting Wagner’s epic music drama The Valkyrie in full, and conducting all nine Beethoven symphonies consecutively over four days in both Wellington and Auckland. Earlier this year, he was honoured for Best Music Direction for Opera Australia’s Ring cycle at Australia’s Helpmann Awards.

“I’m thrilled to become the Chief Conductor of the Prague Symphony Orchestra from the 2015/16 season,” says Inkinen. “It will be a privilege to work in Prague, one of the most culturally significant and beautiful cities in the world. I look forward to sharing this rich European tradition with New Zealand in my upcoming performances with the NZSO.”

Founded in 1934, the Prague Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2014. In 1952, the ensemble was named the official orchestra of Prague, a distinction it still holds today.

“The Prague Symphony Orchestra has a long and successful history of working with young, vibrant Chief Conductors, beginning with our co-founder Vaclav Smetacek and including Jiri Belohlavek,” says Mr Daniel Sobotka, Managing Director of the PSO.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to announce, as we celebrate our 80th anniversary, that Pietari Inkinen will continue this esteemed tradition. Pietari is a strong and dynamic leader who will bring his profound musicianship and vision to the Orchestra both in Prague and on tour with the PSO, as we continue in our role as cultural ambassadors for the city and nation.”

Pietari Inkinen’s initial contract with the PSO is for three years. He will conduct a minimum of six subscription weeks plus special events in Prague each season. He will also lead the orchestra during extensive international tours, including visits to the UK in 2015 and Japan in 2016. An important part of his remit is to bring fresh ideas and dynamic programming while still adhering to the great artistic tradition of the orchestra.

Inkinen succeeds Maestro Jiri Kout as Chief Conductor of the Prague Symphony Orchestra.

In 2015, Maestro Inkinen will also become the Chief Conductor of the Ludwigsburg Schlossfestpiele in Germany. He is currently in his fifth season as Principal Guest Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra.

See Pietari Inkinen’s new website >

See NZSO’s full 2015 Season >

ENDS

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