(Credit: Zuzzana Specjal)

The Birmingham City Symphony Orchestra has announced that Kazuki Yamada has been appointed as the next conductor. Yamada will succeed Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla in April 2023.

For the past three years, Yamada has been the Principal Guest Conductor of CBSO; He gained international recognition when he won the Besançon International Competition for Young Conductors, securing performance opportunities in Europe and making his debut with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Currently, he is the principal guest conductor and artistic director of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, and is permanent conductor of the Japan Philharmonic, as well as musical director of the Philharmonic Chorus of Tokyo. He has performed with companies such as the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden, the Orchester de Paris, the Bergen Philharmonic and the Philharmonia Orchestra.

“When he made his debut with the orchestra in 2012, he made a very strong impression,” said Stephen Maddock, CEO of CBSO. “His technique is fabulous, he’s incredibly clear, he has an extremely broad repertoire. He’s a very, very good musician… In rehearsal he has a laser-like ability to focus on what is most important to success. The players like it, he’s demanding, but it’s a position of good grace, humor and respect.

One of his first efforts will be to take CBSO on tour in Japan. The Proms debut is also slated for 2023, with Yamada hoping to introduce audiences to Japanese composers such as Toru Takemitsu, Akira Miyoshi, and Toshiro Mayuzumi, as well as perform some of Mozart’s symphonic works that are not often performed by larger orchestras. symphonic.

“For me, the best thing about CBSO is that they know how to appreciate music,” Yamada says. “We’re always creating something fresh and exciting. There is always a very warm atmosphere. I am always happy to see them and I am so happy to be part of their family.