Iceland Symphony Orchestra Names Ilan Volkov Music Director Designate

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Assumes Music Director and Chief Conductor Post in 2011–2012 Season

Iceland Symphony Orchestra announced today the appointment of Israeli conductor Ilan Volkov as Music Director and Chief Conductor. He will assume the role at the beginning of the 2011–2012 season with an initial three-year contract. The 2011-2012 season will also be the orchestra’s first in the brand new Harpa concert hall, a landmark building in Reykjavík’s waterfront area.

During Volkov’s first season as Music Director and Chief Conductor in 2011–2012, he will conduct a minimum of six weeks during the regular concert season. He will conduct a minimum of nine weeks each season through to the end of his initial contract in 2014. In addition, the orchestra is planning international touring with Volkov during the contract period. Volkov will also curate an annual festival of contemporary music in Harpa concert hall, the first taking place in March 2012.

“I am delighted to be taking up the post of Music Director and Chief Conductor of the Iceland Symphony at a time of an exciting shift in the history of music making in Iceland,” remarked Ilan Volkov. “The extremely interesting and vibrant music scene in Iceland creates unique artistic opportunities. Having enjoyed working with the orchestra on a number of occasions, I am very much looking forward to a close association with the players and presenting adventurous and challenging programmes. I am particularly excited about creating an annual new music festival in which we will collaborate with contemporary composers, non-classical musicians and artists.”

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