Martin Fröst has been named as Chief Conductor of the Swedish Chamber Orchestra for a three-year term from the beginning of the 2019/20 season. The appointment marks a new chapter in Fröst’s musical life, who in recent years has been increasingly active as a conductor, whilst continuing to perform and push boundaries as a clarinettist.

Commenting on the announcement Martin Fröst said, ​“The Swedish Chamber Orchestra is one of Scandinavia’s leading orchestras; their passion, dedication and creativity is an inspiration. I can’t wait to join the journey and have the chance to contribute to their already growing reputation both nationally and internationally and have the opportunity to develop a new framework and vision for the orchestra, together with the musicians. I have tried to open new doors into the future and this really gives me a chance to take another step in a new direction.”

Gregor Zubicky, Artistic Manager from the Swedish Chamber Orchestra, went on to say, ​“I am very excited that we are beginning a new chapter of our story with Martin Fröst. A chamber orchestra is very much like a family and we have a long-standing relationship with Martin. The last project we did together was a groundbreaking performance for the Nobel Foundation. With Martin in the driving seat we can be sure that the future is going to be exhilarating and filled with energy and storytelling.”

Fröst recently worked with the Swedish Chamber Orchestra on their successful tour to Spain in the 2015/16 season. Forthcoming highlights with the orchestra include his new project ​‘Retrotopia’, which features three new commissions and groundbreaking Gestrument technology. In recent years, Fröst has also conducted orchestras such as the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Oslo Philharmonic, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.

Recently nominated for the 2017 Nordic Council Music Prize, future highlights as a clarinettist include the release of his latest Sony Classical album, Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time with Janine Jansen, Lucas Debargue and Torleif Thedéen. Fröst will perform the work worldwide including in New York, London, Stockholm, Toronto and in Barcelona, as part of his 2017/18 residency at L’Auditori. Orchestral dates include returns to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, BBC Symphony Orchestra and Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, and debuts with the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester and Orchestre symphonique de Montréal.