Last Sunday, the Philadelphia Orchestra announced the appointment of its eighth music director, Canadian conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Maestro Nézet-Séguin, currently music director of both Orchestre Métropolitain du grand Montréal and the Rotterdam Philharmonic, and Principal Guest Conductor of the London Philharmonic, will formally assume music director duties with the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2012.

As reported by Peter Dobrin in the Philadelphia Inquirer, “With his datebook already crowded, Nézet-Séguin’s arrival in Philadelphia will come in phases. In 2010-11, as music-director-designate, he will conduct two weeks here. In 2011-12, the number of weeks will increase to five. In his first season as music director, 2012-2013, Nézet-Séguin will lead up to seven weeks of concerts. In his second and third seasons (2013-14 and 2014-15) he will conduct 15 weeks. He will conduct 16 weeks of concerts in his fourth and fifth seasons (2015-16 and 2016-17). His responsibilities will include subscription concerts, special events, tours and summer appearances.”

At the same time, however, Maestro Nézet-Séguin has been quick to confirm his loyalty to the Orchestre Métropolitain, noting that his contract with the orchestra has been renewed until 2015 “at least” and that he looks forward to future concerts. “To make music with the musicians in Orchestre Métropolitain never ceases to stimulate and nourish me,” he noted.

For more on the appointment, you can visit the websites of
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Orchestre Métropolitain