François-Xavier Roth begins at SWR
François-Xavier Roth takes up his position as Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of SWR Symphonieorchester on 18 September, conducting the orchestra in Rebel, Berio and Schubert in Stuttgart's Liederhalle.
During his five-year contract, announced in September 2022, he will conduct the orchestra for 14 weeks each season, with subscription concerts in Stuttgart, Freiburg and Mannheim, as well as visits to Donaueschinger Musiktage and Schwetzinger SWR Festspiele, and tours, educational projects and recordings.
In an interview for SWR Kultur, Roth explained why he values the orchestra: ‘There are many orchestras today that play at a very high level and realise exciting projects. But what sets the SWR Symphony Orchestra apart is its unique DNA. Very few ensembles worldwide perform early music with such a high degree of historically informed practice – especially music from the Baroque and Classical periods. At the same time, the members of the SWR Symphony Orchestra possess extensive experience with the music of the 20th and 21st centuries. They have collaborated with numerous composers, are incredibly versatile, and are – in the best sense of the word – chameleon: they can quickly adapt to new challenges. For me, that too defines the ideal orchestra – one with a strong identity that always puts the composer’s intent at the centre.’
Roth first conducted the orchestra in July 2020, in works by CPE Bach, Varèse and Bartók, and returned in 2022 to conduct Mahler’s Seventh Symphony. His connection with the players began earlier, though, as Principal Conductor of the original SWR Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Freiburg from 2011 to 2016.
On his appointment, Kai Gniffke, Director General of SWR said, ‘François-Xavier Roth is exactly the right conductor for our orchestra and SWR. He is not only a gifted musician, but also an equally good communicator. He has succeeded in inspiring an audience of millions on French TV for classical music. François-Xavier Roth is passionate about the idea of reaching all people with classical music – whether they are experienced classical music fans or people who have never had any contact with classical music before. We will support him in this with all our means.’
Frank-Michael Guthmann, principal cellist and orchestra chairman said: ‘After the first joint concert of the SWR Symphonieorchester with François-Xavier Roth and Mahler’s Seventh Symphony at this year’s Whitsun Festival in Baden-Baden, it was clear to us that our special story with this special person and musician must continue. We are delighted that we have also succeeded in securing such an outstanding and inspiring musical personality with the engagement of the second Principal Conductor of the SWR Symphonieorchester.’
