New Chief Conductor for Iceland Symphony Orchestra

The Iceland Symphony Orchestra has announced that it has named Yan Pascal Tortelier as its next Chief Conductor. The French maestro, who was selected through the musicians' committee unanimous decision, will assume the three-year tenure in September 2016.

Tortelier's collaboration with the orchestra dates back to 1998, when he led concerts during the Reykjavík Arts Festival. He renewed the relationship in 2012, returning to lead the orchestra in its striking, state-of-the-art, waterfront concert hall, Harpa. Since then, he has been a welcome, frequent guest at the podium. "I have agreed to assume the position for three years and to become, dare I say, a figurehead for the orchestra at a thrilling time in its history, "said Tortelier of the appointment and adds that his mission will be to reach out to audiences worldwide to share the talents of the orchestra.

Tortelier and the Iceland Symphony also announced his inaugural season as Chief Conductor in Reykjavík on 6^th October. The annoncement states that the 2016-17 season will feature a rich mix of repertoire will works by Ravel, Bizet, Elgar, Rachmaninov, Shostakovich, Sibelius and Stravinsky. He and the orchestra will also collaborate with outstanding Icelandic and international soloists including pianists Nikolai Lugansky and local star Vikingur Olafsson, violinists James Ehnes and Alina Ibragimova, and cellist Andreas Brantelid.