On 1 September 2015, Ryan Wigglesworth will take up the post of principal guest conductor of the Hallé, replacing Markus Stenz.
Having first worked with the orchestra in 2010 recording a selection of Harrison Birtwistle’s orchestral works for the NMC label, Wigglesworth will retain the post for three years.
‘I’m thrilled to be joining the Halle as Principal Guest Conductor,’ says Wigglesworth. ‘My first experience of live orchestral music as a child was listening to the Hallé at the Sheffield City Hall. In more recent years I’ve followed their astonishing work with Sir Mark with great pleasure and admiration, and I look forward enormously to developing my own relationship with the orchestra over the coming years.’
John Summers, chief executive of the Hallé added, ‘We are all very much looking forward to welcoming Ryan Wigglesworth next year, and are delighted that such a considerable artist will become a part of the Halle family. Ryan is a worthy successor to Markus Stenz, principal guest conductor for the past six years, with whom the Halle has enjoyed a warm and successful relationship.’
In October Wigglesworth will return to his home town of Sheffield to conduct the Hallé in a programme of Schumann, Mozart, and Sibelius.
Christine Laifa
Photo: Benjamin Ealovega