Chief Conductor Wayne Marshall To Step Down from Cologne's WDR Radio Orchestra

It has been announced that British conductor Wayne Marshall will step down as Chief Conductor of the WDR Radio House Orchestra, in Cologne

It has been announced this week that British conductor Wayne Marshall will step down as Chief Conductor of the WDR Radio House Orchestra in Cologne, Germany - effective from the end of the 2019/2020 season.

The 57-year-old has served the position for the past 5 years - and has indicated he will leave the ensemble to focus more on his international career.

"The decision to phase out the contract was not easy for me, because I love being chief conductor of the WDR radio house orchestra ..." Wayne has said.

"As a musician and conductor, I travel to concerts in Europe and internationally ... I want to focus on that in the future ... but I am very happy to continue as a regular guest of this orchestra, which has grown dear to my heart," he has said.

“I respect the decision ... although I personally regret that we no longer have this outstanding musician, this wonderful organist and charismatic entertainer as chief conductor ..." Orchestra Director Valerie Weber has said.

"He has inspired the WDR radio house orchestra and played so well that there are now waiting lists for the subscriptions of this season ... I'm happy about every production that he is willing to take over as a guest conductor beyond 2020," she has said.