BBC Radio 3
By Greta Lundberg
For the first time in three and a half years, Peter Oundjian will not be conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra. On Sunday, the former Australian conductor resigned as the orchestra’s principal guest conductor in August, following his decision to stand down at the end of this year.
“Peter is a remarkable musician and conductor, but above all he is a person of immense integrity. We have appreciated having him here. He knows everyone and no one can question his sense of perspective,” says Carlos Kalmar, the orchestra’s principal guest conductor, who will step into Oundjian’s role in 2018-19.
Oundjian joined the orchestra in 1989 and made his name as one of the leading European conductors of the 21st century. His last stint as principal guest conductor began in 2015 and was to run until 2021. He also held the top role with the orchestra for five years from 2002, after being principal guest conductor for four years.
The Philharmonia has also released an official statement: “It is important to pay tribute to Peter’s tremendous contribution to the development of the orchestra over many years.”
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