The ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra (RSO Wien) has named Marin Alsop as its honorary conductor, in recognition of her six years of dedicated service as chief conductor. The appointment was made unanimously by the orchestra’s musicians.
During her leadership, Alsop helped elevate the orchestra’s international reputation. Highlights included the ensemble’s debut at the BBC Proms in 2022 and successful tours across Spain, France, and Japan. Under her baton, the RSO Wien also released several acclaimed recordings. One of the most notable was John Adams’ City Noir, which won an International Classical Music Award (ICMA) and received a GRAMMY nomination in 2024.
In announcing the honorary title, the orchestra praised Alsop not only for her artistic contributions but also for her groundbreaking role in classical music. Alsop is one of the first women to achieve global recognition as a conductor, helping to open doors for future generations of female artists.
In addition to her new role with RSO Wien, Alsop currently holds several key positions. She is the chief conductor of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra and principal guest conductor for both the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Philharmonia Orchestra in London.
Her past achievements include a 14-year tenure as music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, where she now serves as music director laureate. She also founded the OrchKids program and holds the title of conductor of honour with the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra.
Looking ahead, Alsop is set to lead concerts and recordings with the RSO Wien in the 2025/26 season.
“With this title, the musicians of the ORF RSO Vienna honour Marin Alsop for her exceptional commitment, artistic vision, and lasting impact on the orchestra’s international profile,” the orchestra shared on Instagram.
“I was so touched and honored to be bestowed with the title of ‘Ehrendirigentin’ (Honorary Conductor) by unanimous decision of the musicians,” Alsop wrote in a Facebook post. “I greatly look forward to returning often with important projects and recordings to come.”
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