The Hallé appoints Kahchun Wong as principal conductor

Manchester-based orchestra the Hallé has today announced the appointment of conductor Kahchun Wong to the role of principal conductor and artistic advisor. Effective from September 2024, Wong’s initial contract will be for five years. Sir Mark Elder, who has held the role of music director with the orchestra for 24 years, will become conductor emeritus. British composer and conductor Thomas Adès will also join the orchestra in the role of artist in residence from 2023-24 for two years.

Wong will conduct the Hallé for the first time since the announcement of his new role at Bridgewater Hall this Saturday (24 June) as part of Manchester Classical festival. Next year, the Singaporean conductor will lead the Hallé on a tour of Spain before returning to conduct Fauré’s Requiem at Bridgewater Hall on 2 May 2024 before Sir Mark Elder embarks on his final run of concerts as music director.

Wong said: ‘I am deeply honoured to be the new Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Hallé. It is an orchestra I have always admired for its beautiful sound and tradition. It is a privilege to become a part of Manchester’s vibrant cultural scene and to continue the high standards of music making associated with Sir Mark Elder and our distinguished predecessors. I am looking forward to working with the visionary team at the Hallé in charting our artistic future together.’

Born in 1986, Wong played the cornet in his primary school brass band and then composed for wind orchestras during his national service in the military band. After studying opera and orchestral conducting in Berlin, Wong became the first Asian to win the Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition. He will balance the responsibility of his new role with his tenure as chief conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra from 2023-24, and his responsibilities as principal guest conductor at Dresdner Philharmonie.

Sir Mark Elder said: ‘Working with these extraordinary musicians and performing for our wonderful audience has been the centre of my life for nearly 25 years. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to develop these two relationships as Conductor Emeritus and I much look forward to many exciting concerts in the years to come. I wish Kahchun every success and I know the people of Manchester will welcome him warmly.’