Conductor Kent Nagano has been appointed as the new Principal Artistic Partner of the Parma-based Filarmonica Toscanini.

Nagano will step into the role for the 2025-26 season, with the initial agreement covering three years.

In a statement, Nagano said, “Although the orchestra and I have only met once, it was quite a strong partnership, I would say, from the very first minute. They bring a spirit and enthusiasm, a freshness and remarkable quality to how they think and how they make music. Somehow, the value system between us seemed to align right from the beginning. That’s why I’m very much looking forward to this collaboration starting next season.”

Ruben Jais, Managing and Artistic Director of Filarmonica Toscanini added, “One concert last summer was enough to forge a special connection between Maestro Nagano and our orchestra. We immediately recognized a profound artistic synergy, inspiring us to envision a shared artistic journey. For Maestro Nagano, we have chosen a title that could describe the essence of this collaboration: dynamic, flexible, and forward-looking. Together, we are confident in our ability to explore new artistic horizons and further elevate Filarmonica Toscanini’s presence on the international music scene.”

Nagano is currently the General Music Director of the Hamburg State Opera and Chief Conductor of the Philharmonic State Orchestra Hamburg. He will be the next Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Orquesta y Coro Nacionales de España (OCNE) in Madrid.

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