Yannick Nezet-Seguin Extends Tenure as Music Director of The Philadelphia Orchestra through 2021-2022 Season

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Philadelphia Orchestra today announces that Music Director Yannick Nezet-Seguin extends his tenure with the Orchestra through the 2021-22 season, his first contract renewal since beginning his tenure as the Orchestra's eighth music director in September 2012.

Nezet-Seguin commented: "The warm embrace of The Philadelphia Orchestra and its audiences has been humbling and exhilarating since I made my debut in 2008. Knowing that this love affair with the Orchestra and the City of Philadelphia will continue is an immense joy. I believe what we are doing artistically is so important, and it's having a big impact on this community. But to do this work takes time, so I am thrilled that I will continue here as music director for at least another five years. Our work together is in many ways really just beginning, and now being able to settle in and think and plan long-term is really wonderful. And it is all the more gratifying that my close collaborations with both Rich and Allison will also continue."

Simultaneously, the Board of Directors of The Philadelphia Orchestra Association has renewed Chairman Richard B. Worley and President and CEO Allison Vulgamore, ensuring that the collective mission and vision established by the leadership triumvirate will continue to steward The Philadelphia Orchestra's artistic growth and financial stability.

The Orchestra further announced today a remarkable gift from the Miller-Worley Foundation of $10 million. The lead gift, given by Leslie Anne Miller and Richard Worley through their foundation, will floor the Orchestra's Comprehensive Campaign.

Heralded for inspiring and revitalizing the Orchestra in his early tenure, Yannick Nezet-Seguin has developed a deep connection with the musicians of the ensemble that has resulted in thrilling performances. He has brought fresh inspiration to the repertoire, created new access points for community members of all backgrounds, and built audiences by transforming the concert experience. Under his leadership the Orchestra has presented over 50 world, U.S., or Philadelphia Orchestra premieres, partnered with Opera Philadelphia for groundbreaking performances of Strauss's Salome, celebrated the Kimmel Center's Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ with an Art of the Pipe Organ festival, launched a five-year requiem cycle, honored former Music Director Leopold Stokowski with a Centenary Celebration, and in the 2015-16 season will mark the 100th anniversary of the U.S. premiere of Mahler's Eight Symphony, given by The Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of Stokowski. Nezet-Seguin will conduct the Orchestra in 18 weeks annually, 16 weeks during the main season and on tour and two weeks in its summer homes.  

"I am extraordinarily honored and humbled to continue in a leadership role with The Philadelphia Orchestra and to do so alongside Yannick and Allison is a privilege beyond compare," said Richard Worley. "The Board's validation of our work strengthens our resolve to advance the Orchestra's global stature while bolstering our commitment to the City of Philadelphia. Leslie and I wanted to continue our support with this gift, and offer it as further incentive for others to join us in underpinning the success of this vibrant orchestra we so love."

"I am honored to continue to serve this gifted organization, its leadership and the worldwide community of our Orchestra's fans and supporters," said Vulgamore. "Working alongside of our extraordinary musicians, Rich, Yannick, and I have been able to not only sustain, but build on the legacy and tradition that is soul of The Philadelphia Orchestra. With creativity driving us forward, we seek to strengthen and support our initiatives to date, and soar into the next phase of imaginative offerings for our ever expanding audiences.

"As we celebrate the extension of his contract and our continuing collaboration, I speak on behalf of all my distinguished colleagues in expressing heartfelt congratulations and thanks to Yannick Nezet-Seguin," said Concertmaster David Kim. "Yannick is one of the world's most profound, dynamic, and sought-after maestros. We look forward to many years of triumphant concerts on stages here at home and around the world."  

SOURCE The Philadelphia Orchestra