The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra has named Moldovan conductor Stepan Armasar as its new Bernard Haitink associate conductor for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 seasons, the orchestra announced on 7 April.
The position, created in 2024 and supported by the Haitink family, is designed to support the development of young conductors. Armasar will work closely with Klaus Mäkelä—who becomes chief conductor in 2027—as well as with other guest conductors in Amsterdam.
Across the two seasons, Armasar is expected to collaborate on approximately half of the orchestra’s programmes. His role will include assisting conductors, working with players in smaller ensemble settings on tour, and contributing to the orchestra’s talent development initiatives. He is also scheduled to lead subscription concerts himself during the latter part of the 2027–28 season.
From competition success to Amsterdam
Born in 2000, Armasar came to international attention in 2025 when he won both first prize and the audience award at the Arturo Toscanini International Conducting Competition. His interpretation of Luciano Berio’s Rendering was noted by the jury and orchestra alike.
Originally trained as an accordionist in St Petersburg, he later turned to conducting at the St Petersburg Conservatoire, where he studied with Peter Gribanov. He has since worked with orchestras including the Arturo Toscanini Philharmonic Orchestra, the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Rostov State Philharmonic Orchestra.
Continuity in a young conductors programme
Armasar succeeds Aurel Dawidiuk, who became the first holder of the associate conductor position in 2024. Dawidiuk is due to conduct the Concertgebouw Orchestra in April 2026 in a programme featuring Debussy, Poulenc, and Tchaikovsky.
He will then take up the post of music director of the Bochum Symphony Orchestra in the 2026–27 season.
The associate conductorship forms part of the orchestra’s broader educational framework, which includes its Academy and youth orchestra programmes. Named after former chief conductor Bernard Haitink, the role reflects his long-standing commitment to mentoring young conductors, often inviting them to assist him in rehearsals and performances.
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