Andris Nelsons has extended his contract as music director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra on the basis of an annual rolling review from the 2014-15 season. The Latvian conductor was originally appointed to the role in 2008 after a single private concert and recording session. Since then he has been at the helm of a number of very successful performances and recorded series of Tchaikovsky and Strauss for Orfeo.

‘My colleagues and friends in the CBSO family are very important to me and it is a great pleasure to be continuing our partnership into future seasons,’ he said. ‘We have shared many wonderful experiences over the last four years and I am looking forward to exploring more thrilling music together.’

The CBSO will appear at a number of European festivals, including a residency in Lucerne, during the summer. The orchestra’s 2012-13 season will include Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony and a Beethoven cycle.