Recognised for his outstanding musicianship, extraordinary interpretations, and breadth of repertoire, Mark Wigglesworth is one of the world’s leading conductors. Having held the role of Principal Guest Conductor with the Orchestra since 2021, his appointment as Chief Conductor heralds a period of the highest quality music-making. He’ll also be the first British Chief Conductor to hold the role in over 60 years.
Mark Wigglesworth, the BSO’s Chief Conductor, said: “It will be lovely to actually start making music on a regular basis with the musicians that I admire so much. We have planned wonderful concerts together and I am looking forward to turning these plans into reality. Hopefully the music will create many unforgettable experiences for all who come to listen.”
Mark Wigglesworth (C) Sim Canetty- Clarke
Mark Wigglesworth makes his debut as BSO Chief Conductor at Lighthouse Poole [20 Nov], followed by a performance at Bristol Beacon [21 Nov]. He conducts a programme of Ravel, Wagner and Walton and is joined by pianist Nicholas McCarthy for Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand. The programme will also include Walton’s First Symphony, a piece which burst on to the musical scene in 1935 and was quickly recognised as a masterpiece.
He returns, a fortnight later, with a programme of Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky to herald in the festive season. Joined by pianist Boris Giltburg, Mark and the Orchestra perform at Lighthouse, Poole [4 Dec] and Portsmouth Guildhall [5 Dec], with the orchestral suite from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker (Act II) and Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto.
Many more musical highlights await in 2025 too as Mark returns to conduct in both February and May…
Of the new season Mark said, “This upcoming season reflects the BSO’s fundamental belief that live music is for everybody, hearing no boundaries and seeing no barriers. Wherever you live in the Southwest of England, you will be able to experience a vast breadth of repertoire performed with great depth of passion and understanding by the orchestra and the guest artists that will be joining us from all over the world.”
We can’t wait to see what the new season brings with Mark at the helm! For full Whats On details click here