Regular visitors to our news pages will know about our close partnership with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), and the powerful impact the orchestra has through their numerous music programmes and initiatives. The BSO’s incredible live performances and world-class artistic team that lead the orchestra, are central to the positive influence the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra has on the communities it serves.

This summer, after 15 incredible years, Kirill Karabits will step down as the BSO’s Chief Conductor. We’re delighted to see that Kirill’s relationship with the Orchestra will continue as he becomes Conductor Laureate & Artistic Director of Voices from the East - a curation of music from his native Ukraine and other former Soviet states that is little known in the west.

New artistic team announced

This autumn will see the introduction of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras new artistic team. One of the world’s leading conductors, Mark Wigglesworth, will join the BSO as Chief Conductor - alongside Chloé van Soeterstède as Principal Guest Conductor. The team will also be joined by Associate Guest Conductor David Hill MBE, Conductor Emeritus Marin Alsop, and Conductor Laureate Andrew Litton.

Dougie Scarfe by Corin Messer

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.”

Mark is recognised for his outstanding musicianship, extraordinary interpretations, and breadth of repertoire. His opening BSO performance was described by the Daily Telegraph as “electrifying”, and Mark has already built a strong relationship with the orchestras musicians and audiences since becoming its Principal Guest Conductor in 2021. We’re sure this exciting appointment will deepen Mark’s connection with the BSO’s musicians, audiences, and communities.

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.”

mark wigglesworth and chloé van soeterstède

Chloé van Soeterstède and Mark Wigglesworth by Mark Allan

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.”

The appointment of Chloé van Soeterstède builds on her recent guest appearances with the BSO, which have gained praise from the orchestras musicians and audiences. 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”. Chloe was appointed the Taki Alsop Fellow 2019-21 by former BSO Principal Conductor Marin Alsop, and has built global recognition for her commanding and intuitive approach, with regular appearances in Europe, the US and Australia.

We’re excited for the new artistic team to join the orchestra from the start of the 2024/25 season, and know our enthusiasm is shared by the musicians, trustees, partners and all those who support the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. We look forward to seeing what the next season will bring!

Don't forget to keep an eye out for more on the 2024/25 season programme for the opportunity to enjoy stunning performances from the BSO in person, or from the comfort of your own home via digital livestream.

To read the full press release from the BSO, click here.

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra announce new artistic team

New artistic team announced

You might also be interested in

An introduction to adaptive musical instruments

Announcing our charity partnership with Help Musicians

Follow us