The Hallé Orchestra has announced Kahchun Wong as the successor to Sir Mark Elder, whose almost quarter century as head of the Manchester-based orchestra, a tenure preserved through an impressive catalogue of acclaimed recordings, will come to an end next year.

Wong will take the title Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor from September 2024, on an initial contract of five years. Born in Singapore, he won the Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition in 2016, and from 2018-22 was Chief Conductor of the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra. From 2023 he'll also be Chief Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic, which follows two years as its Principal Guest.

‘I am deeply honoured to be the new Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Hallé,’ he said. ‘It is an orchestra I have always admired for its beautiful sound and tradition. It is a privilege to become a part of Manchester’s vibrant cultural scene and to continue the high standards of music making associated with Sir Mark Elder and our distinguished predecessors. I am looking forward to working with the visionary team at the Hallé in charting our artistic future together.’

Sir Mark Elder will become Conductor Emeritus of the Hallé from the 2024-5 season. Reflecting on his time leading the orchestra, he said: 'Working with these extraordinary musicians and performing for our wonderful audience has been the centre of my life for nearly 25 years. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to develop these two relationships as Conductor Emeritus and I much look forward to many exciting concerts in the years to come. I wish Kahchun every success and I know the people of Manchester will welcome him warmly.’

Meanwhile, composer, conductor and pianist Thomas Adès has also been named as Artist in Residence, from 2023-24 for two years.

Kahchun Wong will next conduct the Hallé at The Bridgewater Hall this Saturday, June 24, at 7pm, performing Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and John Harle’s Briggflatts, featuring Jess Gillam on saxophone.