Page 19 - FINAL_CBSO Media Highlights - Sept 2021 - Jan 2022_Neat

Born in Japan, Yamada will become the first non-European to lead the CBSO.

“I first worked with the CBSO in 2012 and immediately felt a very sincere
connection with the players,” Yamada says. “This connection has really grown
and developed over the last 9 years; our tour together to Japan in 2016 was one
of the highlights of my career. After this the relationship was even deeper.

“I am so happy, thrilled and above all honoured to be continuing our journey
together as the Orchestra’s Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor.”

Kazuki Yamada appointed as CBSO's chief conductor and artistic advisor. Picture: Zuzanna Specjal

Known for his trademark physicality and energy, Yamada is in international
demand as a guest conductor, having led with Orchestra dell’Accademia
Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Philharmonia Orchestra, Finnish Radio Symphony
Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra Washington.

The star maestro is also principal conductor and artistic director of the
Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, permanent conductor of the Japan
Philharmonic, and principal guest conductor of the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony
Orchestra in Japan.

Yamada made his debut with the CBSO, Classic FM’s Orchestra in the Midlands,
in 2012.

Over the course of three years as principal guest conductor, Yamada forged
strong connections with the musicians, and as chief conductor, he will continue
the orchestra’s tradition of performing the widest range of orchestral and choral
music.