The successful partnership between the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and Vasily Petrenko was yesterday cemented further as the young conductor signed a three-year contract extension. Petrenko, who has been credited with attracting fresh, younger audiences to classical music, will now remain in Liverpool until 2015. His title will change from principal conductor to chief conductor in recognition of the new commitment. “I am very happy to continue my relationship with this great band of musicians, our audiences and with Liverpool,” said Petrenko. “We began a journey together in 2006 and have learned a lot and grown along the way. The orchestra and I share the same ambition to be the very best. We work hard, enjoy exploring music and are building our musical reputation together.” Throughout the next six years Petrenko will continue to conduct the orchestra in a minimum of 25 concerts each season, plus tours, recordings and special events. The Phil’s 2009-10 season opens today with Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No 3 performed by Simon Trčpeski and Shostakovich’s Symphony No 10. Charlotte Smith