Gergely Madaras has been appointed Music Director Designate of the Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège (OPRL). Following an extensive search process, Gergely, the youngest Music Director in the history of the OPRL, begins an initial three season tenure starting in September 2019.

 

Founded in 1960, the Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, with its 97 musicians, is Belgium’s largest orchestra. The OPRL’s principal residence is the prestigious Salle Philharmonique in Liège. Besides boosting six subscription series at home, they also perform extensively throughout Belgium, as well as in great concert halls and major festivals around the world.

 

Having established their sound at the crossroads of the Germanic and French tradition, the OPRL combines a determination to support new works and to promote the Franco-Belgian heritage. Gergely joins this proud ‘dual-identity’, following in the footsteps of previous Music Directors including Pierre Bartholomée, Louis Langrée and Christian Arming.

 

With a current discography of over 90 recordings, and a partnership with Mezzo TV the OPRL has a strong tradition of recording and media presence which Gergely is keen to further develop.

 

Gergely said of his appointment “While working with the OPRL, I was immediately struck by their energy and elan, and the musicians’ keen spirit to perfect their already rich and colourful playing. I was met with an outstanding openness and flexibility and felt that we were immediately able to form a natural connection. I am thrilled to embark on an exciting creative partnership together with this world-class ensemble and its ambitious administration. What’s more I am delighted at the opportunity to familiarize myself with a region so rich in culture, tradition and history!”

 

Daniel Weissmann, Managing Director of the OPRL said “I am thrilled to be able to welcome Gergely at a time when the OPRL is moving towards new and ever broader horizons; we will need his creativity and his energy, in order to reach new audiences and to make contact with a generation that is too often distanced from culture. Gergely is not only a young conductor: although young, he is already a great conductor!”