Pinnock first conducted the orchestra in 2004 and has returned five times as a guest conductor. Becoming the orchestra's third principal conductor, he will succeed current conductor Ranier Honeck, who will become an honorary conductor.
"I feel honoured and delighted to be appointed principal conductor of the Kioi Hall Chamber Orchestra," the British conductor wrote in a press release. "Over the 17 years that we have worked together our understanding and trust of each other has grown both in our music making and as human beings from very different cultures. I greatly look forward to a very special journey with my Japanese colleagues over the next three years and I know that we will have something very special to offer our audience."
Known internationally as a conductor and harpsichordist who spearheaded the modern revival of early music performance, Pinnock founded the English Concert and is currently principal guest conductor of the Royal Academy of Music Chamber Orchestra.
He regularly works with Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest Amsterdam, Deutsche Kammerphiharmonie Bremen, and Mozarteum Orchester Salzburg. Pinnock was awarded a CBE in 1992 and holds four honorary doctorates.
Pinnock's first performance with the Kioi Hall Chamber orchestra will be an all-Mozart program — Symphony No. 31 in D major "Paris," Symphony No. 35 in D major "Haffner," and Symphony No. 39 in E-flat major.
