Recognised internationally for his expertise in both the concert hall and opera house, Wigglesworth joins the BSO for a period of three years.
Wigglesworth conducts the Orchestra in Poole (10 Nov) and Portsmouth (11 Nov) in a programme that includes Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No.2 with Steven Osborne.
Conductor Mark Wigglesworth has been announced as Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s new Principal Guest Conductor — he joins the Orchestra this season.
The celebrated conductor has worked with the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony, New York Philharmonic and Royal Concertgebouw orchestras, and is known for his work in the world’s most prestigious opera houses.
Wigglesworth conducted the Orchestra during its inaugural livestreamed series in 2020/21, giving acclaimed performances of Beethoven, Brahms, Haydn, Vaughan Williams, Wagner, and Walton.
Next spring, he’ll conduct the BSO in Poole (Wed 2 Mar) and Portsmouth (Thurs 3 Mar), in a programme of Mozart, Schubert and Jonathan Dove.
Mark Wigglesworth said of the appointment: “I have so enjoyed working with the wonderful musicians of the Bournemouth Symphony and am delighted to be able to continue to do this on a more regular basis. The magnificent way the orchestra responded to the pandemic revealed very clearly to me the commitment the whole organisation feels to its audience and to music itself. They kept music alive at a time when we all needed it most, and proved beyond doubt what a vital role music plays in helping us all stay connected, inspired, and hopeful.”
Dougie Scarfe, Chief Executive of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra said, “Mark’s reputation as a world-leading conductor in both the concert hall and opera house presents a great opportunity for the BSO and its audiences throughout the South West. Whilst the pandemic presented a variety of challenges, forging this close creative partnership has been wonderful — with a clear and evident rapport, together Mark and the Orchestra create music-making of the highest order. We can’t wait to get started.”
The BSO continues to broadcast its main season each Wednesday night from Poole —following its inaugural year of livestreamed broadcasts — and resumes its symphonic touring this autumn, with concerts in Basingstoke, Exeter, and Portsmouth.
The Orchestra’s Autumn Series of symphonic concerts is supported by Season Sponsor Investec.
Mark Wigglesworth conducts Mahler, Shostakovich and Sibelius with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at Lighthouse, Poole (Wed 10 Nov) and Portsmouth Guildhall (Thurs 11 Nov). The livestreamed concert will be available for 30 days. For details visit www.bsolive.com
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