Conductor Sir Mark Elder (left) has been made a principal artist of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE), joining Sir Simon Rattle, Vladimir Jurowski and Iván Fischer in the role.
Having worked with the ensemble for over 20 years, Sir Mark Elder recently appeared on the BBC's Symphony series with the orchestra. In previous years he has conducted the OAE in performances of Verdi's Requiem and recordings of Donizetti’s little-known operas Imelda de’Lambertazzi and Maria di Rohan.
Following the announcement he said: ‘I am thrilled at the prospect of developing and deepening my working relationship with the OAE’s musicians over the coming years. Both our recordings and our concert work continue to play a significant role in my musical life and I look forward to reaching new audiences through initiatives like The Night Shift.’
Sir Mark will also continue to be music director of the Hallé orchestra. His first project with the OAE as principal artist will be a performance of Berlioz's Romeo and Juliet on 18 February 2012 at the Royal Festival Hall, London.
Sophia Lambton