Vasily Petrenko extends RLPO contract

13 March 2013, 06:00

Chief conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Vasily Petrenko has extended his contract for the foreseeable future, with a three-year notice period.

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra has announced that its chief conductor Vasily Petrenko has extended his contract, meaning he will remain in the role for the foreseeable future, with a minimum three-year notice period.

Petrenko originally took up the position of chief conductor in 2009 after previously becoming principal conductor in 2006. He will conduct the RLPO in at least 25 forthcoming concerts and as it tours internationally, as well as on various orchestral recordings.

The conductor told Classic FM: "I feel that we are at a very exciting time here at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra... It's a very rare pleasure when you feel the same as the band and you are united with the orchestra and the audience in your exploration of the music."

The announcement makes Russian Petrenko the joint longest-serving conductor in the orchestra's history, tied with Sir Charles Groves, who led the orchestra from 1963 to 1977.

Orchestra chairman Lorraine Rogers commented: "Vasily has forged a special bond with our brilliant musicians and staff, our audiences, partners and the City which has produced a golden era for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, so this new long-term agreement with him as our Chief Conductor is fantastic news."

Attendance at RLPO concerts has gone up by 17% since Petrenko first joined the orchestra.