New Jersey Symphony Names New Principal Guest Conductor

By Francisco Salazar

Violinist Joshua Bell has been named Principal Guest Conductor of the New Jersey Symphony.

He will begin in his position during the 2025-26 season and continue through 2028-29. In his new position, he will appear on one program weekend each season and additional collaborations will be announced at a later date.

In a statement Bell said, “I first played with New Jersey Symphony more than three decades ago, and they have held a special place in my heart ever since. My most recent appearance with the Symphony was particularly meaningful to me, as I had the privilege of playing and conducting on the program. I am thrilled to be continuing in this role as principal guest conductor for several seasons to come. I can’t wait to share the stage with my New Jersey Symphony friends in the 2025–26 season!”

Bell has performed with the New Jersey Symphony for three decades as a violinist and conducted the symphony for the first time in 2023. He will collaborate with the New Jersey Symphony’s Music Director Xian Zhang, who began her tenure in 2016.

Bell currently serves as Music Director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and in April 2024, the Academy announced the extension of Bell’s Music Director contract through the 2027–28 season. Bell has performed with every major orchestra around the world and is a six-time Grammy winner.

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