Canadian Julian Kuerti Named KSO Musical Director

Julian Kuerti has been selected as the new Musical Director the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Kuerti will assume the title of Music Director beginning with the 2018-2019 season, succeeding Raymond Harvey, who ended an eighteen-year run with the orchestra in 2017, and has become the Orchestra’s first Music Director Emeritus.

In a statement, the KSO says about the Canadian-born Kuerti,

"Quickly establishing himself as a significant interpreter of orchestral and operatic music, Canadian conductor Julian Kuerti combines a confident style, artistic integrity and a passion for collaboration to position himself at the forefront of the international music scene. Having been Principal Guest Conductor of the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montreal and Principal Conductor of the Orquesta Sinfónica Universidad de Concepción in Chile, he has made a reputation for himself both in the Americas and abroad."

Kuerti was hired after a year long international search. He said "from the first moment on stage with the Kalamazoo Symphony, I felt a strong connection with the musicians. I can’t wait to start working with the orchestra to bring exciting performances to the whole community. I’m sure we will have many musical adventures to look forward to together!”

Kuerti's hiring comes as the Kalamazoo Symphony approaches it's 100th anniversary  in 2020-202. Resident KSO conductor Daniel Brier says, "His depth of artistry and breadth of experience will bring the KSO to a whole new artistic level.”

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