Bihlmaier joins BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

ANJA BIHLMAIER has been appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

Chief Conductor of the Residentie Orkest since August 2021, Bihlmaier will start her new role next month. She will work closely with ADAM SZABO, Director of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, to plan and deliver a programme of concerts, collaborative projects, recordings, and broadcasts for audiences in and around Manchester as well as on BBC Radio 3.

Bihlmaier, who made her BBC Proms debut with the orchestra last year, said: "From our first concert at Bridgewater Hall [in 2022], playing Shostakovich and Dvorak, I felt a special bond and mutual trust with the musicians. 

"I love their dedication, their virtuosity and willingness to experiment, their sense of humour and most importantly their great passion for the music, and how they bring it to life for their audience.  

"I look forward to continuing our journey, hoping to achieve something special in the vibrant city of Manchester and at the BBC Proms.”

Szabo added: “We’re thrilled that Anja Bihlmaier is joining the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra as our Principal Guest Conductor.

"She’s a rare talent – courageous and daring, meticulous, and brilliantly connected to the musical drama of every work she tackles. Our players have loved working with her and getting to know her, and we can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes us.”