James Conlon
James Conlon Named Artistic Advisor to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
James Conlon has been named Artistic Advisor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for three years beginning September 2021, following the end of Marin Alsop’s tenure as the BSO continues its search for a new music director to succeed Alsop. Conlon is currently the music director of the Los Angeles Opera (since 2006), and during a distinguished career spanning 45 years has served as the artistic head of international opera companies, orchestras, and festivals in both the US and Europe. Among them, the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della RAI (2016-2020), Ravinia Festival, summer home of the Chicago Symphony (2005-2015), Cincinnati May Festival (1979-2016); Paris Opera (1995-2004), Cologne Opera and Gürzenich Orchestra (1989-2003), and Rotterdam Philharmonic (1983-1991). As Artistic Advisor, Conlon will conduct three subscription weeks in each season, advise the BSO’s season planning and programming, and fulfill other musical functions for the orchestra, its musicians, staff and board as required.
“The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is one of the most important orchestras in the country,” said BSO President & CEO Peter Kjome. “Marin Alsop expanded the BSO’s influence and visibility nationally and internationally, and we continue to make remarkable progress as an organization. The process of identifying a leader who is not only an extraordinary musician, but also a passionate advocate of the Orchestra’s vital role in the community, will take time. The appointment of James Conlon as Artistic Advisor allows that time, and it is a wonderful testament to those in Baltimore, Maryland, and beyond that the BSO’s positive momentum continues.”