Philadelphia Orchestra Names Principal Guest Conductor

The ensemble announced the appointment of Nathalie Stutzmann as principal guest conductor for three years, effective in the 2021–22 season

Mentored by conductors Seiji Ozawa and Simon Rattle, Stutzmann serves as chief conductor of the Kristiansand Symphony in Norway. She was previously the principal guest conductor of the RTÉ National Symphony of Ireland and admitted into the Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur.

The new position in Philadelphia will include regular performances at the orchestra’s subscription series and at its summer festivals in Vail, Colorado, and Saratoga Springs, New York.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome Nathalie Stutzmann to the Philadelphia Orchestra family,” said Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. “Nathalie is a kindred spirit whose background as a contralto and work as an opera conductor have influenced her dynamic and highly successful career. She brings a depth of artistry, charismatic musicianship, and creativity to her work, making her an ideal collaborator.

“I have always felt close to Yannick and I am thrilled that through this new role I have the opportunity to work under the same roof," Stutzmann shared. "In these deeply uncertain and stressful times of pandemic, the strength of our partnerships is more important than ever, and it is so exciting to embark on this next stage of our relationship as we navigate these tricky times together. I look forward to spending more time in Philadelphia with my new American family, and we cannot wait to share more wonderful music with you."