Less than a year from now, Esa-Pekka Salonen will become one of the most sought-after free agents in the world of classical music. His decision not to renew his contract with the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) when it expires in 2025 due to his … » Read

The recent news that John Eliot Gardiner would not be returning to the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra (MCO) after almost a year’s absence following his physical assault on a chorister last August would seem to have settled the matter. But … » Read

On Aug. 11, nearly two years after he withdrew from conducting, Daniel Barenboim made a return to the podium at the Proms. “It was the concert many suspected we would never hear,” writes Martin Kettle in The Guardian . He was … » Read

Lorenzo Viotti is to be music director of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, with a three-year contract commencing with the 2026-27 season. He succeeds Jonathan Nott, who departs after 12 years at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. A native of … » Read

The Russian invasion of Ukraine left Russian artists like Netrebko and Gergiev shunned in many of the world’s concert halls for their refusal to condemn Putin’s aggression; many more either left Russia or were intimidated by threats … » Read

With immediate effect, Ilya Ram is music director designate of the 91-year-old Chattanooga Symphony & Opera; he takes over in earnest in 2025 for a tenure lasting through the 2027-28 season. Ram succeeds Kayoko Dan, who announced her decision … » Read

Elizabeth S. Condic, chief financial officer of the Houston Symphony, will move into the post of interim executive director and CEO of the orchestra as of October, as John Mangum makes his exit to become general director, president, and CEO of … » Read

Beginning in September 2024, Anja Bihlmaier,  chief conductor of the Residentie Orkest, The Hague, is to be principal guest conductor of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. She joins Finnish conductor John Storgårds , who has served as the … » Read

In what Terence Blanchard rightly describes as a “coup,” the Seattle Opera has lured director James Robinson away from Opera Theater of St. Louis to be its next general and artistic director. His 15-year tenure with OTSL has been … » Read

The Notos Quartett [pictured] has selected cellist Benjamin Lai to replace the departing Philip Graham, beginning in September 2024. He will join pianist Antonia Köster, violist Andrea Burger, and violinist Sindri Lederer in the Berlin-based … » Read