One of the world’s leading conductors, Mark Wigglesworth is recognised for his outstanding musicianship, extraordinary interpretations, and breadth of repertoire. Having held a titled role since 2021, his appointment heralds a period of the highest quality music-making as he deepens his connection with the BSO’s musicians, audiences, and communities.

Chloé van Soeterstède has built global recognition for her commanding and intuitive approach. A former Fellow of the Taki Alsop programme, the appointment builds on her recent guest appearances, having won praise from the BSO’s musicians and audiences alike.

Mark Wigglesworth’s opening BSO performance was described by the Daily Telegraph as “electrifying” and he has built a strong relationship with the Orchestra’s musicians and audiences since becoming its Principal Guest Conductor in 2021. Wigglesworth becomes the BSO’s Chief Conductor from autumn 2024 — the first British conductor to hold the role in over 60 years. He is expected to conduct five weeks in his first season, with this number increasing to nine weeks from 2025/26. Wigglesworth’s performances have been celebrated globally: he has worked with the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony, New York Philharmonic and Royal Concertgebouw orchestras and performed at the world’s most prestigious opera houses.

Chloé van Soeterstède was appointed the Taki Alsop Fellow 2019-21 by former BSO Principal Conductor Marin Alsop and was also a Dudamel Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in its 2021/22 season. Her 2022 BSO debut was an instant hit with musicians and audiences alike, with Bachtrack saying: “she’s clearly someone to watch […] a return visit from van Soeterstède could not be soon enough”. Van Soeterstède has built global recognition for her commanding and intuitive approach, with regular appearances in Europe, the US and Australia. A passionate advocate for music education, she trained as a viola player before launching a career as a conductor.

Audiences in Poole, Bristol, and Truro will hear the Orchestra under the baton of its incoming Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth this week. The performances mark a reunion with pianist Ethan Loch – the former BBC Young Musician finalist, who made a televised performance alongside Wigglesworth in 2022. Loch performs Chopin’s Second Piano Concerto in a programme that also includes Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Verdi’s Force of Destiny Overture.

Mark Wigglesworth, incoming Chief Conductor of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, said:
“The BSO embraces the role of a twenty first century orchestra with talent, experience, passion, and care. The commitment the entire organisation shows to the many thousands of music lovers across the entire South West of England is inspirational and I am extremely excited to be joining them at a time when classical music’s undeniable force for good has never been more vital to the quality of the communities we live in.”

Chloé van Soeterstède, incoming Principal Guest Conductor of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, said:
“I will always remember my first concert with the BSO musicians. Their commitment to every note, their continued support through our weeks together, and their trust and dedication to my musical ideas were greatly exciting and fulfilling. I am truly humbled and honoured to deepen my relationship with them, and to embark on a special journey together with our audiences in the South West of England.”

Matt King, Principal Percussion and Musician Trustee, said:
“Concerts with Mark are a highlight in the schedule, and we’re delighted at his appointment as Chief Conductor; we have enjoyed a broad mix of repertoire together in recent years, with music from Mahler and Mozart to Sibelius, Shostakovich, and Wagner – it will be exciting to continue this journey. Chloé has been a real revelation and brings energy and fresh insight to the podium; we are looking forward to the next few years together.”

Andrew Flockhart, Chair of the BSO’s Board of Trustees, said:
“The appointment of Mark and Chloé, who each bring extraordinary expertise and energy, is wonderful news for the BSO and its vitality in the future. The entire Board is enthusiastic about the appointments which strengthen the Orchestra’s ability to bring brilliant music to audiences in communities right across the South West.”

Dougie Scarfe OBE DL, Chief Executive of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, said:
“We’re excited to share the truly world-class live performances that both Mark and Chloé will undoubtably bring to people throughout the South West over the coming years – and audiences in Poole, Bristol, and Truro will get a further sense of that this week. Life-empowering live music is at the core of what we do, and we’re thrilled Mark and Chloé share our vision for how an orchestra can proudly serve communities in and beyond the concert hall. We can’t wait to welcome them both in their new roles this autumn.”

You can watch incoming Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth perform Beethoven’s Fifth as part of the BSO’s series of Digital Concerts.