Alan Gilbert to continue as Chief Conductor until 2029
The NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra and its Chief Conductor Alan Gilbert are extending their partnership beyond 2024 to summer 2029, thus setting the course for a future together.
Alan Gilbert and the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra have realised their vision of a 21st century orchestra through outstanding concert productions, most recently at the Visions Festival at the Elbphilharmonie, which thrilled regular audiences and new concert-goers alike.
"Alan Gilbert is an extraordinary ambassador of and driving force behind music. Over the past years, Alan Gilbert has proactively supported the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra and wowed audiences with his artistic and programming ideas, his true professionalism, and his friendly leadership style. Alan Gilbert will be with us until 2029. How brilliant!" NDR Director Joachim Knuth
Alan Gilbert has long had close ties with the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra: He was their Principal Guest Conductor from 2004 to 2015, subsequently accepting the position of Chief Conductor in 2019. The continued partnership between the American and the Elbphilharmonie's Orchestra in Residence not only represents a continuity full of trust and a distinct sense of tradition, but it also demonstrates how they have their sights firmly set on the future.
"It is with great joy that I announce the extension of my partnership with the brilliant musicians of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra until 2029. Making music with this incredible group has been an important part of my musical life since 2001. After more than 20 years together, our relationship is better than ever, and it feels as if we are just getting started!" Alan Gilbert
Alan Gilbert: Fascinatingly versatile ...
Sounds Like Gilbert, his début festival back in 2019, showcased the new Chief Conductor's fascinating versatility. Despite the widespread restrictions on staging concerts introduced as a result of the coronavirus pandemic a few months after he assumed this new role, Alan Gilbert managed to keep up this optimistic spirit and accomplish numerous highly respected radio, television, and streaming projects for German broadcaster NDR. During this time, for example, a concert to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra was due to be held, followed by several other TV productions, most recently the ARD New Year’s Eve Concert. He left his unmistakable mark on subsequent concert seasons, with Age of Anxiety - An American Journey, a festival he initiated with a symphony of American music from the 20th century; the latest Elbphilharmonie Visions biennial festival with important works by contemporary composers; and other concerts.
Semi-staged opera productions of György Ligeti's Le Grand Macabre, Antonín Dvořák’s Rusalka, and George Gershwin's Porgy & Bess were the signature works celebrated by the conductor, who is experienced in concerts and operas in equal measure. Alan Gilbert is also passionate about supporting up-and-coming musicians. This matter is close to his heart and has resulted in the introduction of an "Associate Artist" and "Conductor Fellow" role at the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra.
... with a world-class reputation
Alan Gilbert was Music Director of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra from 2009 to 2017 and has gained a world-class reputation as a performer with a broad repertoire ranging from Baroque to contemporary music. He is a popular guest conductor of leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris, Cleveland Orchestra, Boston Symphony, and London Symphony Orchestra.
In addition, he is Honorary Conductor of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, where he spent eight years as Chief Conductor, and Principal Guest Conductor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.
Alan Gilbert’s work with the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra has been documented in numerous live recordings at the Elbphilharmonie. Videos are available on the German website, in the app of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, via the ARD Klassik television programme on the ARD Mediathek website, and at youtube.com/NDRKlassik.
Further congratulations
