Dec. 8, 2020 — The Philadelphia Orchestra has appointed Nathalie Stutzmann as principal guest conductor for three years, beginning in the 2021–22 season.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome Nathalie Stutzmann to the Philadelphia Orchestra family,” said Philadelphia Orchestra music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. “Nathalie is a kindred spirit whose background as a contralto and work as an opera conductor have influenced her dynamic and highly successful career. She brings a depth of artistry, charismatic musicianship, and creativity to her work, making her an ideal collaborator. I look forward to watching her connection with the musicians of the Orchestra grow even deeper in the coming years and to experiencing her contributions to our artistic vision.”
“We are delighted to expand our relationship with Nathalie Stutzmann through this important appointment,” said President and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky. “Anyone who has experienced her performances with the Orchestra knows that we have an exciting three years ahead. We look forward to an ever deeper exploration of her singular artistry and inspiring musicianship here at home, on the Digital Stage, in our communities, and beyond.”
As principal guest conductor, Stutzmann will spend multiple weeks each season in Philadelphia leading programs ranging from subscription and Family Concerts to special projects, community initiatives, and more. She will also serve as a key member of the creative planning process.
“It is a privilege and an honor to become the principal guest conductor of the iconic Philadelphia Orchestra—outstanding music-making, heartfelt playing, and emotional moments inhabit my soul every time I think about those marvelous musicians,” said Stutzmann. “I have always felt close to Yannick Nézet-Séguin and I am thrilled that through this new role I have the opportunity to work under the same roof. The teamwork off stage is just as important to the success of a partnership with an orchestra as what happens on stage, and I am also very much looking forward to the teamwork with Matías Tarnopolsky, Vice President of Artistic Planning Jeremy Rothman, and the whole management team. In these deeply uncertain and stressful times of pandemic, the strength of our partnerships is more important than ever, and it is so exciting to embark on this next stage of our relationship as we navigate these tricky times together. I look forward to spending more time in Philadelphia with my new American family, and we cannot wait to share more wonderful music with you.”
Nathalie Stutzmann is in her third season as chief conductor of the Kristiansand Symphony in Norway, and from 2017 to 2020 was principal guest conductor of the RTÉ National Symphony of Ireland. She studied conducting with the legendary Finnish teacher Jorma Panula and was mentored by Seiji Ozawa and Simon Rattle. Stutzmann continues to keep a few projects as a singer each season, primarily recitals and performances with her own ensemble. In January 2019 she was admitted into the Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest honor, at the rank of Chevalier. She is also Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite and Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France. Stutzmann is an exclusive recording artist of Warner Classics/Erato, as both singer and conductor.
Click HERE for a complete bio of Nathalie Stutzmann.
