François-Xavier Roth

One of today’s most imaginative conductors and programmers, François-Xavier Roth is a charismatic communicator with a voracious intellectual curiosity. He brings fresh perspectives to every kind of classical music, whether performing Baroque music and Stravinsky on original instruments, leading large-scale iconic modern masterpieces, or presenting standard favourites.

Through nurturing long-term musical partnerships, Roth pursues his vision of developing distinctive orchestral sounds and engaging with local audiences, a goal which he has achieved with successive orchestras. In September 2025 he became Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of SWR Symphonieorchester.

He founded Les Siècles in 2003 to perform wide-ranging repertoire on the instruments for which it was composed and to illuminate the connections between music of various eras, offering thrilling revelations about different sound worlds. 

Roth brings his charisma and command to collaborating on ambitious and impactful projects. In recent years these have included Bernd Alois Zimmermann’s epic Die Soldaten  and Philippe Manoury’s large-scale spatial triptych Köln Trilogie. In 2023 he spearheaded celebrations for Ligeti’s centenary year, curating a two-week festival at Maison Radio France, including Ligeti’s thought-provoking masterpiece Le Grand Macabre.

Beyond the concert hall, Roth is deeply committed to education and outreach. He has launched initiatives such as the Jeune Orchestre Européen Hector Berlioz and community programs during his tenure as General Music Director in Cologne, while also mentoring young composers through the LSO’s Panufnik Scheme. 

His discography has earned numerous accolades, including the German Record Critics’ Honorary Prize 2020. His contributions to music have also been recognized with prestigious honors, including the Légion d’honneur and the Royal Philharmonic Society Conductor Award.