Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra reveals new artistic leadership

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has named conductor Mark Wigglesworth as its new chief conductor, succeeding Kirill Karabits, who becomes conductor laureate after 15 years at the helm. French conductor Chloé van Soeterstède has also been appointed as the orchestras new principal guest conductor.

Mark Wigglesworth will be the first British conductor to hold the role of chief conductor with the BSO in over 60 years. His new position builds on the partnersip he has built with the orchestra since becoming its Principal Guest Conductor in 2021. Chloé van Soeterstède also has a strong relationship with the orchestra, having made her BSO debut in 2022 and, as a Taki Alsop Fellow (2019-21), having been mentored by former BSO principal conductor Marin Alsop.

Talking about her new role van Soeterstède said: ‘I will always remember my first concert with the BSO musicians. Their commitment to every note, their continued support through our weeks together, and their trust and dedication to my musical ideas were greatly exciting and fulfilling. I am truly humbled and honoured to deepen my relationship with them’.

Both new leaders take up their new roles from the start of the BSO’s 2024-25 season this autumn, each for a four-year term. Wigglesworth is expected to conduct five weeks in his first season, with this number increasing to nine weeks from 2025-26. He will make his first appearance as incoming chief conductor this week with performances of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Verdi’s Force of Destiny Overture at Lighthouse, Poole (20 March), Bristol Beacon (21 March) and Hall for Cornwall, Truro (22 March) alongside pianist Ethan Loch.

Wigglesworth said: ‘The BSO embraces the role of a twenty first century orchestra with talent, experience, passion, and care. The commitment the entire organisation shows to the many thousands of music lovers across the entire South West of England is inspirational and I am extremely excited to be joining them at a time when classical music’s undeniable force for good has never been more vital to the quality of the communities we live in.’