KENT NAGANO APPOINTED PRINCIPAL ARTISTIC PARTNER OF THE FILARMONICA TOSCANINI
Parma, 10th April 2025 – Filarmonica Toscanini is thrilled to announce a distinguished artistic partnership with Maestro Kent Nagano, who will take on the role of Principal Artistic Partner starting in the 2025/2026 season. This initial three-year agreement marks the beginning of an exciting journey alongside one of the most esteemed conductors on the global stage.
Kent Nagano, a Key Figure in the International Music World
Kent Nagano is internationally renowned for the depth of his interpretations and his ability to blend tradition with innovation. Currently serving as General Music Director of the Hamburg State Opera and Principal Conductor of the Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, he will conclude his tenure at both institutions at the end of the 2024/2025 season. His final year in Hamburg will feature several landmark projects, including the world premiere of Unsuk Chin’s opera Die dunkle Seite des Mondes.
From season 2026/2027, he will also assume the role of Artistic and Music Director of the Orquesta y Coro Nacionales de España.
Simultaneously, Nagano is spearheading an ambitious initiative dedicated to historically informed performances of Wagner’s Ring, The Wagner Cycles: a project of the Dresdner Musikfestspiele. Launched in 2023 and set to culminate in 2026, this project coincides with the 150th anniversary of the cycle’s first complete performance. Together with Jan Vogler, Kent Nagano is the artistic director of the Wagner Cycles, and oversees the Ring being meticulously musicologically reexamined, rehearsed, and performed on historical instruments over several years, with the aim of recapturing Wagner’s original sonic vision through the latest research in historical performance practice, instrumental and vocal.
An Instant Artistic Connection
Managing and Artistic Director of Filarmonica Toscanini, Ruben Jais, expressed his enthusiasm for this new artistic alliance: “One concert last summer was enough to forge a special connection between Maestro Nagano and our orchestra. We immediately recognized a profound artistic synergy, inspiring us to envision a shared artistic journey.
For Maestro Nagano, we have chosen a title that could describe the essence of this collaboration: dynamic, flexible, and forward-looking. Together, we are confident in our ability to explore new artistic horizons and further elevate Filarmonica Toscanini’s presence on the international music scene.”
Maestro Kent Nagano added: “Although the orchestra and I have only met once, it was quite a strong partnership, I would say, from the very first minute. They bring a spirit and enthusiasm, a freshness and remarkable quality to how they think and how they make music. Somehow, the value system between us seemed to align right from the beginning. That’s why I’m very much looking forward to this collaboration starting next season”.
Institutional Congratulations
Gessica Allegni, Regional Minister for Culture, Parks and Forestry, Biodiversity Protection and Enhancement, Equal Opportunities – Emilia-Romagna Region:
“Maestro Kent Nagano’s arrival at the Filarmonica Toscanini is a source of deep pride for the entire Emilia-Romagna Region. His international outlook and exceptional musical sensitivity resonate perfectly with the spirit of our land, where culture is a vital force for growth, innovation, and social cohesion. On behalf of our regional community, I warmly welcome Maestro Nagano and wish him a journey rich with inspiration. I am confident that this partnership will leave an indelible mark on the musical legacy of our territory.”
Lorenzo Lavagetto, Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Culture – City of Parma:
“Parma is honoured to welcome Maestro Kent Nagano, a towering figure in the global music scene. His presence further enhances the cultural identity of our city and reaffirms the Filarmonica Toscanini’s ambition to serve as a beacon of artistic excellence on the international stage. I extend my best wishes for a fulfilling and inspiring tenure—Parma will be not only a home, but a place of creative dialogue and lasting inspiration.”
Highlights of the 2025/2026 Season
During the 2025/2026 season, Maestro Nagano will lead Filarmonica Toscanini in three major projects in Parma:
· November: The collaboration begins with concerts featuring the celebrated pianist Maria João Pires.
· February: A performance of Mahler’s Second Symphony, one of the most extraordinary masterpieces in the symphonic repertoire.
· May: A program showcasing Aziza Sadikova’s Violin Concerto and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, in an enterprising collaboration with the Orchestra Haydn of Trento and Bolzano.
With Kent Nagano’s arrival, Filarmonica Toscanini embarks on a new chapter of artistic excellence, reaffirming its status as a leading force in the regional, national, and international music scene.