Michal Oren has been announced as the 2026-27 Calleva Assistant Conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

The news follows two days of auditions at Lighthouse Poole during which seven shortlisted candidates competed for the position. The winner was selected by a vote from the Orchestra’s musicians.

The Calleva Assistant Conductor program in 2024-2030 is funded by The Calleva Foundation, in memory of Jack Butt.

In a statement Oren said, “I’m looking forward to joining the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra as Calleva Assistant Conductor. As a young conductor you need time on the podium to grow, and I am deeply grateful to have this opportunity with the BSO. This week has marked my first time in the region; everyone has been so welcoming and I’m excited to get to know the musicians and audiences over the coming months ahead.”

Throughout her tenure, Oren will conduct the BSO and work closely with the Orchestra’s Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth and members of the artistic team, which includes Chloé Van Soeterstède (Principal Guest), David Hill MBE (Associate Guest), Kirill Karabits (Conductor Laureate), Marin Alsop (Conductor Emeritus) and Andrew Litton(Conductor Laureate).

Oren follows in the steps of conductors Marta Gardolińska, Tom Fetherstonhaugh and current post holder, Enyi Okpara.