Title: Donald Runnicles Takes the Helm as Dresden Philharmonic's New Chief Conductor
In a major shake-up in the world of classical music, British maestro Sir Donald Runnicles has been appointed as the next Chief Conductor of the esteemed Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra. The news, announced last week, has sent ripples through the music community, with Runnicles poised to take up his new role during the 2025/26 season.
The Dresden Philharmonic, which is the orchestra of the state capital, proudly welcomed this renowned and highly experienced international figure. As the city's Mayor of Culture, Annekatrin Klepsch, gushed, "We've secured an internationally celebrated and highly experienced conductor in Sir Donald Runnicles. His demand is sky-high not only in Dresden but also at prestigious opera houses worldwide, from New York to Berlin, Vienna, Paris, Milan, and London."
Running on adrenaline after his first encounter with the orchestra and the concert hall, Sir Donald Runnicles expressed his admiration for both. "The beauty of the concert hall and the outstanding sound it produces captivated me the moment I stepped inside," the 69-year-old conductor said in a press release. "What followed was an encounter with a group of exceptional musicians, excellent musicality, and a unique cooperative spirit that left me utterly spellbound."
As a Chief Conductor, Runnicles will be filling the shoes of the esteemed Marek Janowski, whose tenure with the orchestra ended last summer. This transition promises to be a thrilling new chapter in the history of the Dresden Philharmonic, one that will continue to surprise and delight audiences with its mesmerizing performances.
Did You Know?
Sir Donald Runnicles is no stranger to the limelight, having previously served as Principal Conductor of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s from 2001 to 2007. Beyond just classical music, he has collaborated with some of the most notable opera houses and conductors across the globe.
Under his leadership, Dresden Philharmonic is expected to explore new repertoire and composers, deepening its commitment to cultural engagement. Runnicles is known for his inclusive and engaging communication style, which could help build an even stronger relationship between the orchestra and its community. All the while, the orchestra will continue to uphold its high standards of excellence, a legacy left behind by the formidable Frauke Roth, who oversaw significant transformation during her tenure as the orchestra's leader.
