Stuttgart’s SWR Symphonieorchester has today announced François-Xavier Roth as its Principal Conductor and Artistic Director as of its 2025/2026 season, succeeding Teodor Currentzis, who has held the position since 2018.

Presently leading both the Gürzenich Orchestra and Oper Köln, Roth is also Principal Guest Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra and Artistic Director of the Atelier Lyrique de Tourcoing, as well as continued work with the orchestra founded by him, Les Siècles.

François-Xavier Roth was recently featured on the cover of Gramophone’s August 2022 issue, his CD of Mahler Symphony No 4 with Les Siècles awarded Recording of the Month in the September issue. The performance of Mahler’s finale was described by Edward Seckerson to be ‘truly balm, pure and unaffected, like so much that makes this performance special ’

Working with the SWR Symphonieorchester for 14 weeks per season over his 5 year contract period, Roth will devote himself to music education projects aimed at people of all ages, as well as international tours, conducting concert streams and recordings for radio and television, albums and DVDs.

Speaking on his appointment, François-Xavier Roth said: ‘I feel very honoured to accept the position of Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of the SWR Symphonieorchester from 2025. This still young orchestra has a unique DNA: the musicians are highly experienced and passionate advocates of the music of our time.’ He went on to say: ‘I look forward to our joint projects and challenges with all their educational, social and media possibilities to create a musical universe.'