Marin Alsop named artistic director of Webern Kammerphilharmonie

The American conductor will shape the artistic direction of the Vienna-based training orchestra, beginning with a concert on 4 October.

Marin Alsop has been appointed artistic director of the Webern Kammerphilharmonie, the training orchestra of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw).

In her new role, Alsop will help shape the orchestra’s artistic direction, including its programming and the selection of guest conductors and soloists. Conducting students at the university will also gain practical experience working with the ensemble.

Founded in 2015, the Webern Kammerphilharmonie brings together advanced students and recent graduates of the mdw, with the aim of preparing young musicians for professional orchestral careers. The ensemble has appeared at venues including the Wiener Musikverein, Wiener Konzerthaus and Theater an der Wien.

Alsop has longstanding ties with the mdw. She became its first female professor of orchestral conducting when she was appointed Artist in Residence in 2020 and was made an honorary member of the university in 2024.

The appointment also continues Alsop’s close relationship with Vienna. She served as chief conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra from 2019 until 2025 and was subsequently named the orchestra’s honorary conductor.

Alsop will make her first appearance as artistic director of the Webern Kammerphilharmonie on 4 October at the Congress Center Baden. The programme includes Jessie Montgomery’s Strum, Copland’s Clarinet Concerto, Dvořák’s Rondo in G minor and his Symphony No. 7. The benefit concert, in support of the Austrian charity Licht ins Dunkel, will be recorded live by ORF.