Elena Schwarz appointed in Vienna

Elena Schwarz has been appointed as one of two new Conductors in Residence at Klangforum Wien, from 1 January 2024. The appointment lasts three years, taking in the group's 40th anniversary year in 2025. She previously conducted the opening concert of their Ligeti anniversary year last January and the opening concert of Musica Nova in Helsinki, and made an acclaimed Salzburg Festival debut with them this summer. She gives her first concert in the role on 4 May 2024, conducting works by George Aperghis, Stefano Gervasoni and Pierluigi Billone.

Klangforum Wien Director Peter Paul Kainrath explained: 'The newly created positions of Conductors in Residence at Klangforum Wien represent a dialogue and a deeper understanding that transcends individual concert appearances. Conductors are particularly sensitive seismographs of the international music scene and thus contribute perspectives that can inspire the ensemble to explore ever-new horizons. With the Australian-Swiss conductor Elena Schwarz and the Zimbabwean-American conductor Vimbayi Kaziboni, Klangforum Wien also aims to reaffirm its commitment as a globally active ensemble ready for new encounters.'

Schwarz said: 'I am delighted to be appointed Conductor in Residence of Klangforum Wien. I am eager to venture into the unexpected with these wonderful musicians, to engage in interdisciplinary projects and to breathe new life into compositions while delving into the ensemble's rich archives.'

Ensemble spokesperson Benedikt Leitner said: 'In Elena Schwarz and Vimbayi Kaziboni, we have gained two visionary, musically driving forces for the ensemble who will accompany us as artistic partners on an equal footing and strengthen us in our search for the new and yet undiscovered. Their remarkable musical sensibility fits perfectly with our ambition to inspire audiences and the world of music with vibrant and inspiring performances.'