David Robertson, Virginia Weldon and Randy Adams at Powell Symphony Hall (Photo by Robert Bullivant)

ST. LOUIS, Dec 10, 2003 – Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra Board Chairman Dr. Virginia Weldon today announced the appointment of David Robertson as Music Director for the 124-year-old Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. His contract begins on September 1, 2005 and extends for three years. During the 2004-2005 season, he will assume the role of Music Director Designate for the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. Robertson becomes the 12th person and the second American-born director to hold the title since the organization was established in 1880. He joins the Saint Louis Symphony after an eighteen-month international search for a replacement for Hans Vonk, who resigned the position in April 2002 due to ill health.

“David Robertson’s appointment today concludes an extensive international search for the best possible person to lead our world class orchestra to its next level. One of our top priorities when searching for a new director was to find someone who had the ability to be a great communicator and leader, and I think we have succeeded. We are truly delighted to have him join us and look forward to welcoming him and his wife, Orli Shaham, to St. Louis,” said Dr. Virginia Weldon, Chairman of the Music Director Search Committee and Board Chairman.

Robertson is recognized internationally as one of the leading conductors of his generation. He impresses audiences and critics around the world with his interpretations of standard orchestral repertoire, his exceptional affinity for 20th and 21st century music and his command of a broad operatic repertoire. He is currently the Music Director of the Orchestre National de Lyon and Artistic Director of that city’s auditorium, which has been home to the orchestra since 2000.

“My relationship with the people of St. Louis was instantly fulfilling and began even before I had met the Orchestra. From that first rehearsal with the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus and through each of my performances with the Symphony, the musical potential and results have been astounding. I look forward to exploring ever widening horizons with this exciting community,” said David Robertson.

“In today’s symphony environment it is vital to have a music director who brings a multitude of qualities to lead an orchestra. David is not only a great conductor with an international reputation for music excellence, but a first-class person. I know he will become very active in this community and will be a tremendous ambassador for St. Louis. I can’t imagine finding a better fit for our orchestra,” said Randy Adams, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra President and Executive Director.

Robertson is very familiar with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. Having conducted the Orchestra in January 1999 for the first time, he stepped in at the eleventh hour in February 2002 at New York’s Carnegie Hall for an ailing Hans Vonk. His last visit with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra was in March 2003, and he is scheduled to return as a guest conductor on April 24 and 25, 2004.

The 45-year old conductor was born in Santa Monica, California and was educated at London’s Royal Academy of Music, where he studied French horn, composition and conducting. From 1985-87 he was resident conductor of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. From 1992-2000 he served as music director of the Ensemble Intercontemporain in Paris, founded by Pierre Boulez. In 1997 Robertson was named a recipient of the Seaver/National Endowment for the Arts Conductors Award, the premier prize of its kind, given to exceptionally gifted American conductors, and in December 1999, he was named Conductor of the Year by Musical America.

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