Breaking: Jansons renews with Munich, rules out Berlin

Mariss Jansons, who will conduct the Berlin Philharmonic the night before its once-in-a-generation conductor election, today signed a new contract with Bavarian Radio, taking him up to 2021, when he will be 78.

He is the fourth candidate to say no to Berlin, after Dudamel, Nézet-Séguin and Barenboim.

That leaves a straight Thielemann vs Nelsons election on Monday, with Chailly coming up on the outside (though there is no guarantee he will take the job if offered).

press release:

Mariss Jansons will serve as chief conductor of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and Choir until 2021, extending his current contract which runs until 2018. Jansons and the director of the Bayerische Rundfunk, Ulrich Wilhelm, agreed on this in a meeting that took place after an internal voting process within the orchestra had come to an end in the last few days.

Mariss Jansons:

“It is a great pleasure for me to continue my work with these two wonderful ensembles beyond 2018. They are gems and I am delighted to be part of forming and building up their future. The musical professionalism and human quality are exceptional. It is my heartfelt wish to not only make use of these qualities, but to further support their development and present them to the audiences in Munich, Bavaria and the whole world.”

Ulrich Wilhelm:

“Mariss Jansons managed to consolidate and expand the worldwide recognition of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. Under his artistic direction the number of subscribers nearly tripled. The orchestra and Maestro Jansons significantly contribute to Bavaria’s worldwide reputation as a cultural state. I am delighted about the commitment of such an exceptional artist towards Munich and pleased to see this story of success continue for three further years.”

Nikolaus Pont, Orchestra Manager:

“In their voting the musicians of the Symphony Orchestra clearly stated their wish to continue working with Mariss Jansons as their chief conductor beyond 2018. His decision to follow our invitation makes me very confident for the future of the orchestra. Welook forward to the continuation of a great artistic partnership and the realization of numerous ideas in the future.”