The Rhode Island Philharmonic has named Robert Spano its Principal Conductor.

The announcement will be effective immediately. Spano made his RIPO debut this past September and worked with students at the RI Philharmonic Music School.

He is known worldwide for the intensity of his artistry and distinctive communicative abilities, creating a sense of inclusion and warmth among musicians and audiences that is unique among American orchestras. He is also known as an exceptional educator, avid mentor to young artists, and a champion of bringing living composers and their works into the mainstream of American orchestral programming.

Spano will remain in the post until the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School hires a new, permanent Music Director.

In a statement, Executive Director David Beauchesne said, “We are thrilled and excited to welcome an artist of Robert Spano’s stature with impressive global renown and achievements in orchestral performance and music education. He is a sincerely dedicated and multifaceted artist—a brilliant conductor, composer and educator. He has already become a valued partner and leader in our artistic planning and I look forward to him becoming engaged in our educational activities as well.”

Meanwhile, Spano added, “I am thrilled to accept the position of Principal conductor of the Rhode Island Philharmonic. I very much enjoyed my work with this wonderful orchestra and was particularly impressed by its commitment to the Music School. My work as a conductor had always included a major devotion to teaching and mentoring young musicians, which is crucial to the future of symphonic music.