Sleepless Dane is Seattle’s new music director

The Seattle Symphony has named Thomas Dausgaard to succeed Ludovic Morlot as music director in 2019.

Dausgaard is presently chief conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the Swedish Chamber Orchestra (through 2019),  as well as Honorary Conductor of the Orchestra della Toscana, and the Danish National Symphony.

From the press release:

‘For several years, it has been clear that Thomas’ partnership with our musicians is grounded in
deep mutual respect and admiration,’ said Leslie Jackson Chihuly, Seattle Symphony board chair. ‘His deepening relationship with the orchestra has produced some of the most electrifying concerts we’ve heard in Benaroya Hall these last few years. His work has been a wonderful complement to Ludovic’s exemplary artistic leadership. Ludovic and Thomas share many creative instincts which have shaped and contributed quite naturally to the exciting evolution of our music making. Thomas is simply the right leader for the next step in our artistic development. We greatly look forward to welcoming him to our Symphony family, and we know he will bring profound inspiration and warmth to our community.’