We’ve been proud to perform an extraordinary breadth of repertoire under Kirill’s baton, including cycles of Beethoven, Brahms and Prokofiev, given UK premieres of works from CPE Bach to contemporary music from Azerbaijan, and championed music from eastern Europe and Kirill’s native Ukraine through the ongoing series ‘Voices from the East’.

Although moving on from his time as Chief Conductor of the BSO, Kirill will continue working closely with us when he becomes our Conductor Laureate, Artistic Director, Voices from the East from autumn 2024.

Kirill’s time with us has been defined in recent years by the ‘Voices from the East’ series. Through performances —and a series of recordings for the Chandos record label —we have been introduced to music from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and the Ukraine, with composers Kara Karayev, Boris Lyatoshynsky, Chary Nurymov and Avet Terterian becoming familiar names. Last year, The Times wrote that thanks to the series,“music lovers in Dorset may now be the most knowledgeable in the western world about the symphonic pieces of eastern Europe and central Asia.”

Kirill Karabits, Chief Conductor of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, said: “I have never forgotten my first encounter with the BSO. I immediately felt this was a very special group of musicians, and, artistically, we have continued to grow together over the last fifteen years. It feels like a home from home — and never more so than during these last few years, where this community of musicians and audience has been of great support. The warmth, friendship and open-minded approach here is very special, and I am deeply proud to continue my journey as Conductor Laureate, Artistic Director, Voices from the East.”

Dougie Scarfe, Chief Executive of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, said: “Kirill is an outstanding conductor and musician, he is also a wonderful human and a musical detective unlike any other. His creative influence over the past fifteen years has defined the modern BSO — his understanding not just the music, but of that magical relationship between music, musicians and audience has created numerous life-affirming experiences for our musical community over the years. We are thrilled that Kirill will become Conductor Laureate, Artistic Director, Voices from the East, when his tenure as Chief Conductor concludes in summer 2024. I’m proud of all that we’ve achieved together, and we can’t wait to continue this musical journey of discovery with Kirill.”

Carol Paige, Musician Trustee and Principal Second Violin, said: “Working alongside Kirill has been a voyage of discovery! His musicality radiates from him when he’s on the podium, inspiring us all to play our hearts out in order to produce the most thrilling live performances, which I know have been enjoyed as much on the stage as off amongst our loyal audiences. Kirill commands such huge respect and admiration from the musicians, and we look forward to sharing more memorable moments with him.”

Over the coming months, we’ll work with Kirill in shining a spotlight on other Voices from the East, including composer Reinhold Glière, whose Horn Concerto provides the focus for the season’s closing concert [10 May]. Further highlights include Shostakovich’s Symphony No.4 [8 Feb] and a celebration of Nordic music, featuring Nielsen’s mighty Fourth Symphony ‘The Inextinguishable’ [3 May].

To read the full press release click here