Maestro move: Dane is new Scots chief
mainThomas Dausgaard, 51, will succeed Donald Runnicles at the head of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
press release:
Thomas Dausgaard will take over from Donald Runnicles as the orchestra’s Chief Conductor in September 2016.
Renowned for his creativity and innovation in programming and his extensive range of critically-acclaimed recordings, Dausgaard has appeared with orchestras around the world and is currently Chief Conductor of the Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor of the Seattle Symphony and Honorary Conductor of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra.
As a guest conductor with the BBC SSO Dausgaard has performed a wide range of repertoire from Dvořák and Tchaikovsky to Ives, Lindberg and Schnelzer, and in a range of settings from the City Halls in Glasgow to the St Magnus International Festival in Orkney.
On his appointment Dausgaard said: “The infectious joy of making music with the BBC SSO makes it a great honour and pleasure to become its Chief Conductor from 2016/17. I am a fond admirer of the orchestra’s creativity, team-spirit and excellence, and I look forward very much to exploring all the exciting possibilities which lie ahead of us.”
Ken MacQuarrie, Director of BBC Scotland, said: “Creativity is the lifeblood of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Thomas Dausgaard will ensure the orchestra continues to be one of the most dynamic and boundary pushing orchestras in Scotland and the world.”
While it’s sad that Runnicles is stepping down so soon, this is an excellent, forward-looking appointment. In terms of adventurous programming and commitment, the BBC SSO looks set to continue to give the Corporation’s London bands a run for their money.
Dausgaard is talented.