Cristian Măcelaru appointed artistic partner of WDR Sinfonieorchester

Cologne’s WDR Sinfonieorchester has announced that chief conductor Cristian Măcelaru will continue his partnership with the orchestra in the position of artistic partner after he steps down from his current role as chief conductor and artistic director.

Having held his current role for two contract periods since the 2019-20 season, the Romanian-born conductor’s close association with the German orchestra will continue in the 2025-6 season with three concert programs in Cologne and North Rhine-Westphalia, plus touring and productions.

WDR director-general Tom Buhrow said: ‘We are delighted that we will be able to work with this globally successful conductor and passionate ambassador for classical music on the podium of the WDR Sinfonieorchester beyond the term of his contract.’

Măcelaru will balance his continuing partnership with the WDR Sinfonieorchester with his roles as artistic director of the George Enescu Festival and Competition, artistic director and principal conductor of the Interlochen Center for the Arts’ World Youth Symphony Orchestra, music director and conductor of the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music and music director of the Orchestre National de France with whom he will perform at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

Măcelaru said: ‘The musicians of the WDR Sinfonierochester have continued to excel in their commitment and deep understanding of the wide variety of music we have performed together. I am truly fortunate to continue our strong and enriching relationship in this new capacity as artistic partner. The work we did stands as a testament to our mutual respect and appreciation.’