Around the Music Festival

The Royal Swedish Opera (Kungliga opera) has extended its contract with music director Alan Gilbert. He has been in office since 2021, and this contract renewal will extend his term until the end of 2029.

Gilbert is 58 years old and was born in New York. His father is American and his mother is Japanese. He studied violin at the New England Conservatory in Boston, composition at Harvard University, and conducting at the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music. His international career began in 1994 when he won the conducting category at the Geneva International Music Competition.

He has previously served as Principal Conductor of the Stockholm Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (2000-2008) and Music Director of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra (2009-2018). Since 2019, he has been Principal Conductor of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra in Hamburg, Germany.

In Japan, he has been Principal Guest Conductor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra since 2018, and will serve as Special Guest Conductor and Music Partner from 2026.

PHOTO：New York Philharmonic　/　Chris Lee