Latest news with #AndrédeRidder
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
English National Opera's new director takes job share in New Zealand
English National Opera is facing calls to cancel the contract of its incoming music director after it emerged that he has also accepted another music directorship in New Zealand. ENO announced in May that André de Ridder, a German conductor, would be its music director designate from September, taking up the post in Autumn 2027. The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) announced this week that Mr de Ridder would be its music director designate, formally starting in September 2027. 'I am very excited and feel truly honoured to have been chosen to become this orchestra's next music director and to learn about and contribute to New Zealand's unique musical and cultural scenery,' he said in a statement posted on the NZSO's Facebook page. But Norman Lebrecht, a leading music expert and former Telegraph columnist, dismissed the dual appointments as 'absurd' because of the huge distance and an 11-hour time difference. He told The Telegraph: 'New Zealand is the other side of the clock. Basically, you can't communicate. 'With a company in crisis, as ENO is, you absolutely need a firm hand on the tiller. You've got to have a decision-maker there.' If the second job was in the same time zone, ENO could call its music director, Mr Lebrecht said, adding: 'But if he's in New Zealand they can't actually have proper discussions because it'll be 11 o'clock at night there or 11 o'clock at night our time. 'The whole position is absurd.' Writing on his Slipped Disc website, Mr Lebrecht said: 'This ought to be an easy commute, right? And if something goes wrong in London or Auckland, Ridder will be right there to put it right… ENO should terminate his contract before they look like a total shambles.' 'Unmitigated piffle' Observers argued that although international conductors take different posts, an opera company leaves little time for a second job. ENO has lurched from one crisis to another, despite the award-winning excellence of many of its productions. Years of turmoil have seen strikes and protests over cutbacks, while fears for its survival were sparked by Arts Council England 's plan to pull its funding unless the company found a base beyond the capital. ENO's forthcoming season, beginning in September, will feature 12 productions and concerts in London and Manchester, both new productions and revivals. Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's political satire, Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, will be staged in 2026, marking Mr de Ridder's first engagement as music director designate. He is currently general music director of Theater Freiburg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. He previously conducted for ENO the premieres of Gerald Barry's The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant in 2005, described by The Telegraph as 'a repellent opera', and Michel van der Aa's Sunken Garden in 2013, dismissed by this newspaper as 'unmitigated piffle'. Mr de Ridder's representative, Anna Wetherell of HarrisonParrott, the classical music agency, said the two jobs 'don't really coincide'. She added: 'New Zealand have their winter festival, which is in August each year, when ENO is not operating. 'With New Zealand, he has signed up to three seasons - [from] March to December 2027, 2028 and 2029 - so he probably will do… two weeks at the start of the year, three in the middle and three at the end.' Asked where his home will be, she said: 'It's unclear for now. He might move somewhere in the UK.' Mr Lebrecht described ENO as 'a shadow of its former self' and noted that the previous music director had said the job is untenable: 'This is the music director of English National Opera. English. 'Yet ENO had to go to Germany because we don't have any conductors who are unemployed and rather good.' John Allison, the editor of Opera magazine and a Telegraph music critic, said: 'People may say that running a national company leaves little time for anything else. Sadly, through little fault of their own, ENO is not exactly the busiest national full-time opera company. 'But it's not a vote of confidence either in where André de Ridder thinks ENO might be in a couple of years time when he starts in New Zealand. It's not impossible for him to do both jobs, but it's not necessarily an ideal look. 'ENO hasn't been out of crisis for a very long time. It's a different kind of a crisis at the moment because nobody quite knows where it's going, allegedly to Manchester. But, who knows if the Arts Council, which imposed this on them, will still be here in 2029 when the move is supposed to take place? It's certainly got an identity crisis and it needs vision.' 'Strong leadership' An ENO spokesman said Mr de Ridder was appointed 'following a rigorous process', adding: 'We are all looking forward to working together with him over the coming years. 'It is absolutely standard for leading conductors to have more than one post internationally. 'It is simply not true that ENO is in a state of crisis. With strong leadership in place, and a clear plan for the future delivering programmes in both London and Greater Manchester, as we announced in May, ENO is moving forward with an exciting 2025/26 season. 'This includes 12 productions and concerts across London and Manchester, expansion of our work through new broadcast partnerships and learning and participation programmes and the extension of our offer of free tickets for under 21s.'
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
International Star Conductor André De Ridder Appointed New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Music Director
Celebrated New Zealand Conductor Gemma New to be Artistic Partner in 2027 after five seasons as Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has appointed André de Ridder — one of the world's most sought-after and versatile conductors — as its next Music Director for a tenure to start in 2027. Concurrently, celebrated New Zealand-born conductor Gemma New, the orchestra's Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor since 2022, will continue her association with the NZSO in the new role of Artistic Partner. Maestro de Ridder, who made his NZSO debut with an acclaimed three-concert festival in 2023 will become the NZSO's first Music Director since Edo de Waart finished in 2019. His appointment comes amid continued international demand for his impressive stylistic versatility, from Baroque to contemporary music. The German-born conductor was recently designated Music Director of the prestigious English National Opera, a title he will also assume in 2027. He is currently Music Director of Germany's renowned Theatre and Philharmonisches Orchester Freiburg. Maestro de Ridder says that from the very first rehearsal stepping on the NZSO's podium in 2023 he felt energised. 'The orchestra's brilliance and warm, receptive musicality became immediately apparent to me. The shared joy of music making grew from concert to concert and I was very taken by the friendly and lively reception from the New Zealand audience. 'I am very excited and feel truly honoured to have been chosen to become this orchestra's next Music Director and to learn about and contribute to New Zealand's unique musical and cultural scenery. 'With this fantastic group of musicians and organisation I believe we can, and need to, continue to prove how essential, life affirming and transcending live orchestral music is and what an orchestra can be today. I very much look forward to my upcoming visit and exciting programmes in Wellington and Auckland, and to plan for the future!' Maestra New will transition to her new role as Artistic Partner in 2027. She takes on this new title as an avenue to carry on her exceptional collaboration with the orchestra. NZSO Board Chair Carmel Walsh says André de Ridder as the NZSO's next Music Director is a coup not only for the orchestra but for the nation. 'Like many New Zealanders who were introduced to André when he first conducted the NZSO in 2023, I was blown away by his passion, professionalism and enthusiasm on and off stage,' says Walsh. 'As well as being an extraordinarily talented conductor, he was able to quickly connect with the orchestra and New Zealand audiences. 'There is so much he will bring to the NZSO, and it will be felt by both our skilled and experienced players and by every New Zealander who sees the NZSO perform.' The NZSO is also delighted that Maestra New will continue a close association with the orchestra from 2027, says Walsh. 'As an NZSO Board member when Gemma was appointed Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor four years ago, I've seen her play an integral role in the NZSO's artistic leadership. The orchestra is extraordinarily grateful for what Gemma has achieved, not to mention she has an enormous following with our audiences. We're delighted that relationship will continue with her as our Artistic Partner.' NZSO Chief Executive Marc Feldman says Maestra New has made an invaluable contribution to the orchestra and he looks forward to every opportunity to work with her. 'At the same time, it's very exciting to be welcoming André de Ridder, as Musical Director for our 2027 Season. He brings a deep commitment to our orchestra and great energy to the podium, as a well as a reputation for innovative cutting-edge concert programming. André, together with the NZSO artistic team, means we will be sure to delight and surprise audiences throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.' The Wall Street Journal has hailed Maestro de Ridder as 'One of the world's most daring conductors,' while New Zealand critics have praised his concerts with the NZSO as 'wonderfully focussed… eminently tasteful and sprightly' (The Post) and 'positively relishing the monumental' (New Zealand Herald). Maestro de Ridder's projects and collaborations take him to such orchestras as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Deutsches Symphony Orchester Berlin, Orchestre de Paris and The Netherlands' Concertgebouworkest. He is also highly regarded in contemporary and popular music, including collaborations with bands Gorillaz and The National, and Radiohead member Jonny Greenwood. Maestro de Ridder returns to New Zealand in August to conduct another three-concert festival with the NZSO in Wellington and Auckland. The festival opens with Enchanted (Wellington 8 Aug, Auckland 15 Aug), featuring the music of Stravinsky, Dukas and Mussorgsky. Ascension (Wellington 9 Aug, Auckland 16 Aug) includes Jerome Kavanagh Poutama performing on tāonga puoro, while the family concert Creepy-Crawly Carnival (Wellington 10 Aug, Auckland 17 Aug) will be presented by Oscar-winner Bret McKenzie. Since taking on her titled position with the NZSO in 2022, Maestra New has proved an audience favourite, leading sold-out performances and showcasing big-boned repertoire epitomized by Holst's The Planets, as performed by the orchestra in 2024, and Mahler's Symphony No. 3, featured in 2023. The NZ Herald declared of that performance that 'New was in her element. Effortlessly navigating passages of chorale-like serenity along with mighty orchestral climaxes, she gave us the very emotional assurance that Mahler had originally intended.' The orchestra's musicianship under Maestra New's direction has been lauded for 'a featherlight touch and astonishing clarity of execution' (New Zealand Post), while New Zealand Arts Review praised her 'brilliant direction' of Mozart's Symphony No. 41, writing that 'New [saw] possibilities in the music that even Mozart may not have been aware of.' About André de Ridder André de Ridder is the Generalmusikdirektor (GMD) of the Theater Freiburg and newly announced as the designated Music Director of English National Opera, a title he will assume from September 2027. He is in demand internationally for his impressive stylistic versatility, from Baroque to contemporary music. His projects and collaborations take him to orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Deutsches Symphony Orchester Berlin, Orchestre de Paris and Concertgebouworkest. Over the course of the 2024/25 season, De Ridder conducts new productions of Jenufa, Tosca and Alcina at the Theater Freiburg. Other highlights of the season in Freiburg have included concerts with soloists Ilya Gingolts and Kit Armstrong and symphonic works such as Tchaikovsky's Hamlet and Oliver Messiaen's Éclairs sur l'Au-Delà. De Ridder also makes guest appearances in 24/25 with such orchestras as the Tonhalle Zurich, Brussels Philharmonic, hr Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt, as well as Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Philharmonia Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra Dublin, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic and Concertgebouworkest. He continues his curatorship and performances of 'Unclassified Live' at London's Southbank Centre, a series of genre-defying performances featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra. About Gemma New Gemma New (ONZM) is Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, where she will continue in the new role of Artistic Partner in 2027. She is the recipient of the prestigious 2021 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award and was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2024. In demand with leading orchestras worldwide, she has conducted the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre National de France, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and dozens of other world-class ensembles. New previously served as Music Director of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Resident Conductor of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Associate Conductor of the New Jersey Symphony. A former Dudamel Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Conducting Fellow at Tanglewood, Maestra New was awarded Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Awards in 2017, 2019 and 2020, before receiving the 2021 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award.
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
International Star Conductor André De Ridder Appointed New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Music Director
Celebrated New Zealand Conductor Gemma New to be Artistic Partner in 2027 after five seasons as Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has appointed André de Ridder — one of the world's most sought-after and versatile conductors — as its next Music Director for a tenure to start in 2027. Concurrently, celebrated New Zealand-born conductor Gemma New, the orchestra's Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor since 2022, will continue her association with the NZSO in the new role of Artistic Partner. Maestro de Ridder, who made his NZSO debut with an acclaimed three-concert festival in 2023 will become the NZSO's first Music Director since Edo de Waart finished in 2019. His appointment comes amid continued international demand for his impressive stylistic versatility, from Baroque to contemporary music. The German-born conductor was recently designated Music Director of the prestigious English National Opera, a title he will also assume in 2027. He is currently Music Director of Germany's renowned Theatre and Philharmonisches Orchester Freiburg. Maestro de Ridder says that from the very first rehearsal stepping on the NZSO's podium in 2023 he felt energised. 'The orchestra's brilliance and warm, receptive musicality became immediately apparent to me. The shared joy of music making grew from concert to concert and I was very taken by the friendly and lively reception from the New Zealand audience. 'I am very excited and feel truly honoured to have been chosen to become this orchestra's next Music Director and to learn about and contribute to New Zealand's unique musical and cultural scenery. 'With this fantastic group of musicians and organisation I believe we can, and need to, continue to prove how essential, life affirming and transcending live orchestral music is and what an orchestra can be today. I very much look forward to my upcoming visit and exciting programmes in Wellington and Auckland, and to plan for the future!' Maestra New will transition to her new role as Artistic Partner in 2027. She takes on this new title as an avenue to carry on her exceptional collaboration with the orchestra. NZSO Board Chair Carmel Walsh says André de Ridder as the NZSO's next Music Director is a coup not only for the orchestra but for the nation. 'Like many New Zealanders who were introduced to André when he first conducted the NZSO in 2023, I was blown away by his passion, professionalism and enthusiasm on and off stage,' says Walsh. 'As well as being an extraordinarily talented conductor, he was able to quickly connect with the orchestra and New Zealand audiences. 'There is so much he will bring to the NZSO, and it will be felt by both our skilled and experienced players and by every New Zealander who sees the NZSO perform.' The NZSO is also delighted that Maestra New will continue a close association with the orchestra from 2027, says Walsh. 'As an NZSO Board member when Gemma was appointed Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor four years ago, I've seen her play an integral role in the NZSO's artistic leadership. The orchestra is extraordinarily grateful for what Gemma has achieved, not to mention she has an enormous following with our audiences. We're delighted that relationship will continue with her as our Artistic Partner.' NZSO Chief Executive Marc Feldman says Maestra New has made an invaluable contribution to the orchestra and he looks forward to every opportunity to work with her. 'At the same time, it's very exciting to be welcoming André de Ridder, as Musical Director for our 2027 Season. He brings a deep commitment to our orchestra and great energy to the podium, as a well as a reputation for innovative cutting-edge concert programming. André, together with the NZSO artistic team, means we will be sure to delight and surprise audiences throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.' The Wall Street Journal has hailed Maestro de Ridder as 'One of the world's most daring conductors,' while New Zealand critics have praised his concerts with the NZSO as 'wonderfully focussed… eminently tasteful and sprightly' (The Post) and 'positively relishing the monumental' (New Zealand Herald). Maestro de Ridder's projects and collaborations take him to such orchestras as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Deutsches Symphony Orchester Berlin, Orchestre de Paris and The Netherlands' Concertgebouworkest. He is also highly regarded in contemporary and popular music, including collaborations with bands Gorillaz and The National, and Radiohead member Jonny Greenwood. Maestro de Ridder returns to New Zealand in August to conduct another three-concert festival with the NZSO in Wellington and Auckland. The festival opens with Enchanted (Wellington 8 Aug, Auckland 15 Aug), featuring the music of Stravinsky, Dukas and Mussorgsky. Ascension (Wellington 9 Aug, Auckland 16 Aug) includes Jerome Kavanagh Poutama performing on tāonga puoro, while the family concert Creepy-Crawly Carnival (Wellington 10 Aug, Auckland 17 Aug) will be presented by Oscar-winner Bret McKenzie. Since taking on her titled position with the NZSO in 2022, Maestra New has proved an audience favourite, leading sold-out performances and showcasing big-boned repertoire epitomized by Holst's The Planets, as performed by the orchestra in 2024, and Mahler's Symphony No. 3, featured in 2023. The NZ Herald declared of that performance that 'New was in her element. Effortlessly navigating passages of chorale-like serenity along with mighty orchestral climaxes, she gave us the very emotional assurance that Mahler had originally intended.' The orchestra's musicianship under Maestra New's direction has been lauded for 'a featherlight touch and astonishing clarity of execution' (New Zealand Post), while New Zealand Arts Review praised her 'brilliant direction' of Mozart's Symphony No. 41, writing that 'New [saw] possibilities in the music that even Mozart may not have been aware of.' About André de Ridder André de Ridder is the Generalmusikdirektor (GMD) of the Theater Freiburg and newly announced as the designated Music Director of English National Opera, a title he will assume from September 2027. He is in demand internationally for his impressive stylistic versatility, from Baroque to contemporary music. His projects and collaborations take him to orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Deutsches Symphony Orchester Berlin, Orchestre de Paris and Concertgebouworkest. Over the course of the 2024/25 season, De Ridder conducts new productions of Jenufa, Tosca and Alcina at the Theater Freiburg. Other highlights of the season in Freiburg have included concerts with soloists Ilya Gingolts and Kit Armstrong and symphonic works such as Tchaikovsky's Hamlet and Oliver Messiaen's Éclairs sur l'Au-Delà. De Ridder also makes guest appearances in 24/25 with such orchestras as the Tonhalle Zurich, Brussels Philharmonic, hr Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt, as well as Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Philharmonia Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra Dublin, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic and Concertgebouworkest. He continues his curatorship and performances of 'Unclassified Live' at London's Southbank Centre, a series of genre-defying performances featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra. About Gemma New Gemma New (ONZM) is Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, where she will continue in the new role of Artistic Partner in 2027. She is the recipient of the prestigious 2021 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award and was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2024. In demand with leading orchestras worldwide, she has conducted the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre National de France, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and dozens of other world-class ensembles. New previously served as Music Director of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Resident Conductor of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Associate Conductor of the New Jersey Symphony. A former Dudamel Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Conducting Fellow at Tanglewood, Maestra New was awarded Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Awards in 2017, 2019 and 2020, before receiving the 2021 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award.
