Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra has appointed two new conductors to the podium. Mark Wigglesworth will join as Chief Conductor, succeeding Kirill Karabits, who will become Conductor Laureate, and French conductor Chloé van Soeterstède will be appointed as Principal Guest Conductor.

The new Chief Conductor will be the first British conductor to hold the role of Chief Conductor with the BSO in over 60 years. Mark Wigglesworth was previously Principal Guest Conductor (from 2021-23) and has performed with the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony, New York Philharmonic and Royal Concertgebouw orchestras. Speaking on his new role, he said ‘I am extremely excited to be joining them at a time when classical music’s undeniable force for good has never been more vital to the quality of the communities we live in.’

Chloé van Soeterstède made her BSO debut in 2022, and was a Taki Alsop Fellow from 2019-2021, during which she was mentored by former BSO principal conductor Marin Alsop. She was also a Dudamel Fellow with the LA Philharmonic from 2021-2022. The incoming principal guest conductor expressed her feelings towards the new position, saying “I am truly humbled and honoured to deepen my relationship with them, and to embark on a special journey together with our audiences in the South West of England.”

Both conductors will begin their new roles from the start of the BSO’s 2024-25 season this autumn, and have initially agreed a four-year term with the orchestra. Wigglesworth will make his first appearance on the podium with performances of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Verdi’s Force of Destiny Overture at venues across the south west.

Dougie Scarfe, Chief Executive of BSO, said: ‘Life-empowering live music is at the core of what we do, and we’re thrilled Mark and Chloé share our vision for how an orchestra can proudly serve communities in and beyond the concert hall. We can’t wait to welcome them both in their new roles this autumn.’