Earlier this year, a fake tweet by Lang Lang had people believing that Andris Nelsons would lead the Berlin Philharmonic. However, the tweet was a hoax and the Boston Symphony Orchestra conductor has extended his five-year deal and additional 2 years to carry him through 2022.
As per a stipulation in contract, which is called an "evergreen clause," the BSO noted that the terms provided leeway for Nelsons to extend his stay beyond the eight years noted in the agreement.
Nelsons became the music director last fall and is the youngest to hold the position in over a century. His predecessor, James Levine, made frequent cancellations due to his deteriorating health and therefore the BSO is happy to have some young blood holding the post.
James Sommerville, principal horn of the BSO, said in a statement, "The performances we have shared have been electrifying and inspired, and the respect he so clearly feels for the players at every rehearsal, performance and social interaction, has proved to be a revitalizing force to our orchestra."
He's not the only one a part of the new dynasty of young conductors. Gustavo Dudamel at the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Yannick Nezet-Seguin at the Philadelphia Orchestra are also part of this new guard.
As one could imagine, the infusion of youth has helped revitalize the orchestra and bring a new sense of freshness to the genre.
The newly extended contract for Nelsons also intends to ensure completion of longer-term projects, which include an ongoing recording collaboration of symphonies by Shostakovich with the label Deutsche Grammophon.
This extension comes almost a year after both the National Symphony Orchestra and New York Philharmonic announced they are also looking for new leaders.
It is all very exciting news for certain.
Enjoy the following preview of Nelsons to see what direction the orchestra may be heading.
