France’s Orchestre Symphonique de Mulhouse Appoints Next Music Director 

Austrian conductor Christoph Koncz will assume the role in 2023 on a three-year contract

Conductor Christoph Koncz will begin his tenure as music director of the Orchestre symphonique de Mulhouse (OSM) in September 2023 for an initial three-year period. He succeeds Jacques Lacombe, who led OSM between 2018 and 2021.

Having first worked with OSM in June this year performing Stravinsky’s Petrushka, Koncz felt an immediate connection with the ensemble. “[OSM] hosts remarkable musicians who play energetically and passionately,” Koncz said in the press release. “[We look forward] to sharing our enthusiasm and love of music with the public and enjoying the emotional power of music together in the upcoming years!”

Konsz will be involved in broadening OSM’s repertoire by commissioning new works. In the lead-up to his role, he will be spending time as Music Director Designate in Mulhouse, France, to plan future seasons.

Alongside his new position, he will conduct new productions annually at the Opéra national du Rhin and lead orchestras such as the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Philharmonia Orchestra London, Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal, and Hong Kong Philharmonic. Currently, he is serving his fourth season as chief conductor of the Deutsche Kammerakademie Neuss am Rhein.

Born in 1987 into an Austrian-Hungarian family of musicians, Koncz began violin lessons at age four. Two years later, he attended the Vienna University of Music and also studied conducting with Mark Stringer. His other mentors included Daniel Barenboim, Daniel Harding, and David Zinman.

In 2008, Koncz was appointed principal second violin of the Vienna Philharmonic at the age of 20 — a role he still holds. Koncz is also known for his film role as child prodigy Kaspar Weiss in the film The Red Violin, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Score.

​“I am overjoyed to begin this new collaboration with Christoph Koncz,” said OSM general manager, Guillaume Hébert. “His arrival begins a new chapter for the Orchestra. I am convinced that his proven qualities as a great musician will enhance even further the performances of the Orchestra.”

​“[Konsz] will take [OSM] to new heights, and I have no doubt that he will also have much to learn from them,” added Mayor of Mulhouse, Michèle Lutz. “The greatness of [OSM] has always come from its musicians and conductors. The public will be happy to discover the new Music Director who will be conducting this prestigious ensemble. A new and exciting artistic chapter is beginning.”