Philadelphia Orchestra Names Marin Alsop as Principal Guest Conductor for Upcoming Season

Photo byAndy Kropa/Invision/AP

Marin Alsop, a renowned conductor, is set to assume the role of principal guest conductor for the Philadelphia Orchestra in the upcoming season, succeeding Nathalie Stutzmann.

At 67, Alsop previously served as the music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for 14 seasons, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to helm a major American orchestra. Her new tenure with the Philadelphia Orchestra will span three years, commencing with a 2024 tour of China. During each season, she is slated to conduct the orchestra for approximately two to three weeks.

Having debuted with the Philadelphia Orchestra back in 1990, Alsop has since conducted the ensemble on 32 occasions. Her association with the orchestra was fostered by an invitation from Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the orchestra's music director since 2012–13, and the orchestra's management. She noted the orchestra's evolution, shedding its historical heavy string sound cultivated during Eugene Ormandy's tenure as music director from 1936 to 1980.

Alsop expressed admiration for the orchestra's adaptability, engagement, and enthusiasm, stating, "They're super flexible."They're super-engaged. They're super-enthusiastic."

Presently, Alsop holds the positions of chief conductor with the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, principal guest conductor of London’s Philharmonia Orchestra, and chief conductor of the Polish National Radio Symphony, in addition to serving as the chief conductor of the Ravinia Festival since 2020, the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Her forthcoming engagement includes her Metropolitan Opera debut in April, leading the company debut of John Adams' “El Niño,” showcasing her expansive repertoire and dedication to advancing classical music across prestigious venues.