The National Orchestra of Belgium (NOB) announced, earlier this week, that in September of 2017, Hugh Wolff, New England Conservatory's (NEC) Stanford and Norma Jean Calderwood Director of Orchestras will take over the baton from Andrey Boreyko, who has been NOB's orchestra's music director since 2012.
According to Thomas Novak, NEC's Interim President, Wolff will continue to serve in his capacity of Director of Orchestras at NEC, conducting 4-5 concerts per year, which is consistent with his assignments at the Conservatory to date.
Previously, Wolff was the chief-conductor of the hr-Sinfonieorchester in Frankfurt from 1997-2006, and the principal conductor and music director of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra in Minnesota from 1988-2000.
Born in Paris to American parents, Wolff spent his early years in London and Washington DC. His final year in high school, he studied piano with Leon Fleisher and composition with George Crumb. After graduating from Harvard College in 1975, Wolff won a fellowship to study conducting with Charles Bruck and composition with Olivier Messiaen in Paris.
In a recent press release proclaiming Hugh Wolff's NOB ascendency, NEC's Interim President Thomas Novak remarked that he couldn't think of a better man for the job:
"We are proud of Hugh Wolff's appointment as the new chief conductor of the National Orchestra of Belgium.
"He has had a long and distinguished professional career with orchestras around the globe, so this latest news adds yet another success to his many achievements.
"We are grateful that his commitment to New England Conservatory remains solid, providing such a rich experience for our students in the orchestra program."
As a conductor he has a well-defined vision on the functioning of a symphony orchestra and a special interest in education: he strives to make symphonic music more interesting and appealing for youngsters.
In addition, Hugh Wolff emphasizes the importance of a thematic approach of each concert, he also does so for each concert season. He is known for his creative programming and placing opposing works together.
For more information about the New England Conservatory, Hugh Wolff or the National Orchestra of Belgium be sure to head over to their respective websites.
