While the New Century Chamber Orchestra hunts for a permanent music director, it’s lined up British violinist Daniel Hope as an “artistic partner” for three seasons: 2017–2018 through 2019–2020.
The New Century Chamber Orchestra is one of only a handful of conductorless ensembles in the world. Its 19 members, including locals and those who travel here from across the U.S. and Europe, make musical decisions collaboratively.
The orchestra’s current music director, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, is stepping down in May 2017, after eight seasons. While Hope will lead the orchestra in many performances, candidates to replace Salerno-Sonnenberg will also appear as guest concertmasters.
That, as it happens, is how the New Century Chamber Orchestra initially met Hope, who made his debut with the organization in February 2016 as a guest concertmaster and principal soloist for a tribute to his mentor, Yehudi Menuhin.
“We are delighted that Daniel Hope has agreed to partner with us during this time of transition,” said Executive Director Philip Wilder. Hope’s creativity and experience as a chamber musician, soloist, and orchestral leader, Wilder says, should give audiences confidence that they can look forward to “a thrilling ride over the next three years.”
