BBC Philharmonic Orchestra appoints principal guest conductor

The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra has announced the appointment of Anja Bihlmaier to the role of principal guest conductor. Taking up her new role in September 2024, the German conductor will work closely with director Adam Szabo to deliver the orchestra’s programme of concerts, collaborations, recordings and broadcasts.

Bihlmaier will also work alongside chief conductor John Storgårds and composer in association Anna Clyne. She will next appear with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra on 8 August, when she conducts Prom 26: Beethoven, Brahms and Sarah Gibson.

Bihlmaier said: ‘I am thrilled to join the BBC Philharmonic team as Principal Guest Conductor, alongside such a respected colleague as John Storgårds. From our first concert at Bridgewater Hall, playing Shostakovich and Dvorak, I felt a special bond and mutual trust with the musicians. I love their dedication, their virtuosity and willingness to experiment, their sense of humour and most importantly their great passion for the music, and how they bring it to life for their audience. Our Proms concert last year and Bruckner 7 in Manchester were unforgettable highlights. I look forward to continuing our journey, hoping to achieve something special in the vibrant city of Manchester and at the BBC Proms.’

Bihlmaier will balance her new position with her responsibilities of chief conductor with the Residentie Orkest, a role she has held since August 2021, and with a busy upcoming season in which she is set to perform with the Munich Philharmonic, NDR Elbphilharmonie Bergen Philharmonic, Swedish Radio Symphony, Seattle and Toronto symphonies, and Spanish National Orchestra.

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra direct Adam Szabo said: ‘[Bihlmaier is] a rare talent – courageous and daring, meticulous, and brilliantly connected to the musical drama of every work she tackles. Our players have loved working with her and getting to know her, and we can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes us.’