Marin Alsop has been appointed the next Chief Conductor of the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, the first woman to take up the position in the ensemble’s 48-year history. Effective from September 2019, with an initial contract of three years, Alsop currently holds the title of Chief Conductor Designate. She succeeds Cornelius Meister, who has led the orchestra since 2010.

“I am very excited about the prospect of collaborating with Vienna RSO,” said Alsop. “We share the same enthusiasm for expanding the repertoire and for connecting with new audiences. I am deeply moved by the fact that the players instigated my appointment and I can’t wait to start this journey with them, working closely with the Orchestra’s partners in Vienna, across Austria and beyond.”

Marin Alsop. Photo: Adriane White

“The ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra grew artistically under the leadership of Cornelius Meister and increased its reputation both nationally and internationally,” said ORF Director-General Alexander Wrabetz. “Therefore, it was important that we find someone who would be able to continue to inspire and challenge us and we are thrilled to have been able to convince Marin Alsop to take up this position. She is an...