The Boston Symphony Orchestra has appointed Andris Nelsons as its 15th music director from the 2014-15 season. At the age of 34, he is the youngest music director to lead the Boston Symphony Orchestra in over 100 years and the first Latvian-born conductor to take up the post. He succeeds James Levine, who was BSO music director from 2004 to 2011.

‘I am deeply honoured and touched that the Boston Symphony Orchestra has appointed me its next music director, as it is one of the highest achievements a conductor could hope for in his lifetime,’ said Nelsons. ‘Each time I have worked with the BSO I have been inspired by how effectively it gets to the heart of the music, always leaving its audience with a great wealth of emotions. As I consider my future with the Boston Symphony, I imagine us working closely together to bring the deepest passion and love that we all share for music to ever greater numbers of music fans in Boston, at Tanglewood, and throughout the world.’

Nelsons will act as BSO music director designate for the BSO's 2013-14 season, making his first appearance in that capacity in October, when he will conduct Wagner's Siegfried Idyll, Mozart's Piano Concerto No 25 with soloist Paul Lewis, and Brahms's Symphony No 3. He returns to the BSO podium on March 6, 2014 to conduct a performance of Strauss's Salome. He will also make an appearance at Tanglewood on July 27, conducting Verdi's Requiem.

Nelsons is currently music director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 2008.