December 2020

Nathalie Stutzmann, Chief Conductor of the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra since 2018, has extended her contract to the end of the 2022-2023 season. The conductor and orchestra have decided to continue their successful partnership for another two years beyond the current contract.

“This is the best Christmas present possible both for our audience and the orchestra. Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra has taken big steps together with Nathalie in the first period, and the fact that she is now extending her engagement means that she sees the potential we have together. That is a huge thing for us”, says Geir Rebbestad, director of KSO.

Nathalie Stutzmann is also delighted about the extension. “This is my Norwegian family. The orchestra is young and very willing to learn, and I am looking forward to spending more time with the musicians. This gives us the possibility of long-term thinking, and that is a big advantage when you have ambitions with an orchestra”, she states.

The Philadelphia Orchestra announced today the appointment of Nathalie Stutzmann as its new Principal Guest Conductor. She takes up the new position in Philadelphia for three years commencing September 2021.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome Nathalie Stutzmann to the Philadelphia Orchestra family,” said Yannick Nezet-Seguin. “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 Matias 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.”

“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.”

Photo: Jeff Fusco