(Credit: Simon Pauly)

The Dresden Philharmonic has named Sir Donald Runnicles its new Chief Conductor.

The orchestra said that Runnicles will take up the post in the 2025-26 season and will lead the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra as Chief Conductor Designate from the coming 2024-25 season. The city council of Dresden still has to approve this.

In a statement, Runnicles said, “When I joined the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra a year ago, I was immediately captivated by the beauty and outstanding sound of the concert hall. And that continued with the orchestra: I encountered excellent musical quality, great trust and a way of playing together that I have rarely experienced anywhere before.”

Runnicles recently stepped down from his position at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, a position he has held since 2007.