Marin Alsop Named Chief Conductor of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra

The American conductor will hold the position alongside her role as Chief Conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Marin Alsop will step into the role as the Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra (NOSPR) at the opening of the 2023/24 season, for an initial term of three years.

Alsop has been building a relationship with the ensemble over the past eighteen months, making her debut in February 2021 and conducting 15 concerts since that time. She has also led the orchestra on a tour of Japan and ran three conducting masterclasses.

In her first season with the orchestra, Alsop will conduct seven mainstage concerts, as well as leading the second edition of the Karol Szymanowski International Music Competition. She will also coordinate a recording of Krzysztof Penderecki's work The Black Mask.

She will additionally expand her local work with young conductors — which has thus far included a residency with young Ukrainian conductors and masterclasses in Katowice featuring students from the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship.

"I’m thrilled to accept this appointment and excited to continue our already thriving relationship," Alsop said. "Our Japan tour last September and our ongoing recording and concert projects are part of a new vision for the 21st century orchestra."

"Together with Director, Ewa Bogusz-Moore, I look forward to innovative projects such as Penderecki’s rarely performed Black Mask and recording the music of wonderful composers like Grazyna Bacewicz and Agata Zubel," she added. "NOSPR’s existing commitment to mentoring the next generations of musicians and conductors also aligns with my personal commitment to the future of classical music."

"We have had the pleasure of getting to know Marin Alsop over the past two years and we are delighted that she is now joining us as Artistic Director," said Ewa Bogusz-Moore, NOSPR's General and Program Director. "Marin is a trailblazer who has initiated positive change within the industry and her work reflects NOSPR’s commitment to identify and address social inequalities."

"Our musicians greatly enjoy working with Marin, whose conducting technique and diligent work ethic always ensures musical excellence, and we all look forward to working closely with her over the coming years."