Conductor Cristian Măcelaru Renews Contract with Orchestre National de France

The Romanian conductor will continue to work with the ONF until at least 2027

Romanian conductor Cristian Măcelaru, 42, has renewed his contract with the Orchestre National de France (ONF). Măcelaru came to the role in September 2020, and his tenure there will now extend until at least 2027.

Since arriving at ONF, Măcelaru has made French repertoire a priority for the orchestra: the music of Camille Saint-Saëns featured heavily in the 2020/21 season and the orchestra recorded the complete Saint-Saëns symphonies on Warner Classics.

The ONF's 2022/23 season will place a particular emphasis on the music of César Franck to celebrate the composer's bicentenary year.

Originally a violinist, Cristian Măcelaru made his Carnegie Hall debut aged just 19, as the concertmaster of the Miami Symphony Orchestra. His conducting career began in earnest when he stood in for Pierre Boulez at the Chicago Symphony in 2012.

He is a recipient of the Solti Award (2014) and has conducted all of the major American orchestras, as well as some of Europe's most prominent ensembles.

"From the moment I stepped on the podium to conduct Orchestre National de France a little more than 4 years ago, I was immediately embraced by the wonderful musicians," Măcelaru wrote on social media. 

"We have made such incredible musical memories together, and also many light-hearted behind-the-scenes moments, as this is one of the most witty, smart, warm, funny groups of people you will meet. With great regard to the illustrious past music directors, I am humbled and proud to continue the legacy of the great ONF."