L A Phil Names Salonen “Conductor Laureate
Sunday-April 19–Esa-Pekka Salonen, departing conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has been accorded an extraordinary honor by the orchestra’s administration. Salonen, 51, has been designated as the first “Conductor Laureate” in the history of the 90 year-old orchestra.
The announcement came tonight from the stage of the Walt Disney Concert Hall by Chairman of the Board David Bohnett and President and Chief Executive Officer Deborah Borda.
The announcement came as Salonen was about to embark on his last concert as Music Director of the L A Phil, his 973rd concert with the orchestra.
“Salonen’s tenure has been extraordinary not only for its longevity but for its legacy,” Borda said in her announcement.
Salonen will return as Conductor Laureate in the 2010/2011 season.
