Utah Symphony Appoints New Principal Guest Conductor

Delyana Lazarova will step into the role from the 2025/26 season

The Utah Symphony has announced that Bulgarian conductor Delyana Lazarova will serve as its next Principal Guest Conductor. Lazarova will serve for an initial term of two years, beginning from the opening of the 2025/26 season.

In her first year in the role, Lazarova will conduct two of the orchestra's Masterworks programs and three in the second year. She will also collaborate closely with the orchestra's Music Director, Markus Poschner, to develop the overall vision for the ensemble.

She will also work closely on the orchestra's education initiatives, including in higher education and adult learning — and she will mentor emerging talents, such as the orchestra’s assistant conductors.

Lazarova has recently led the ensembles such as the Philharmonia Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Scottish and the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin — and she works closely with the Hallé and Orchestre National de France. In the current season, she makes debuts with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the hr-Sinfonieorchester, among others.

Lazarova is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Aspen Music Festival's James Conlon Conducting Prize.

"I’m honored and excited to be appointed as Principal Guest Conductor with the Utah Symphony," said Lazarova. "From the very first concert I performed at the beautiful Maurice Abravanel Hall, I felt an immediate and profound connection with the musicians. Their artistry, passion, and commitment have left a lasting impression, and I am eager to continue deepening our collaboration in the seasons ahead. I am already looking forward to returning to Salt Lake City, starting this exciting journey with the wonderful musicians of the Utah Symphony, and once again meeting their incredibly supportive and enthusiastic audience."

"Delyana’s electric debut with the Utah Symphony last spring was a moment that has remained etched in the memories of our musicians and audiences," said USUO President & CEO Steve Brosvik. "The energy she’ll bring to the podium each time she is with us and her dedication behind the scenes will create incredibly special experiences and will support us in connecting with audiences and our community in new and meaningful ways. Delyana is quite simply the perfect addition to complete our artistic leadership team."

PC: Marco Borggreve