French conductor Ludovic Morlot has been named the next Chief Conductor Designate of the Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Música, one of Portugal’s leading orchestras. He will begin serving as Conductor Designate in January 2027 before officially assuming the position of Chief Conductor in September of that year, according to an announcement by Casa da Música.
The appointment marks a new artistic chapter for the Porto-based institution, which described Morlot as one of two “deeply inspiring musicians” whose international experience and artistic vision will contribute to the future development of its resident ensembles.
Born in Lyon on 11 December 1973, Morlot has built an international reputation for performances noted for their elegance, intensity, and dynamic programming. He is currently Music Director of the Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya (OBC), while also holding the title of Music Director Emeritus of the Seattle Symphony, following a widely praised tenure from 2011 to 2019 during which the orchestra won five Grammy Awards.
Morlot also maintained a close relationship with the BBC Philharmonic as Associate Artist between 2019 and 2024. His career has included guest appearances with major orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
In opera, Morlot served as Music Director of La Monnaie between 2012 and 2014, and has also conducted productions at Seattle Opera.
Casa da Música also announced the appointment of Léo Warynski as Chief Conductor of the Coro Casa da Música and Conductor in Residence, effective immediately.
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