The Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra in Sweden has appointed French conductor Maxime Pascal as its new Chief Conductor, starting in August 2024. Pascal's contract is initially set for three years.
Maxime Pascal is no stranger to the orchestra, as he has previously conducted the ensemble on five different occasions over the last two seasons. His appointment fills a long-standing vacancy for the Chief Conductor role in the orchestra, which remained unfilled during the pandemic.
Maxime Pascal, who hails from Carcassonne, France, received his conducting education at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris under the guidance of François-Xavier Roth. He is also the Artistic Director of Le Balcon in Paris, an ensemble he co-founded in 2008, dedicated to providing audiences with unique musical experiences featuring audio-visual elements. Le Balcon primarily focuses on contemporary music and recently completed performing Stockhausen's seven Licht operas in their entirety.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Maxime Pascal stated, "I am thrilled and honored to have been selected as the next musical director of the HSO. My first encounter with Helsingborg left a lasting impression on me. I found the qualities I value as a performer: curiosity, a pursuit of precision, and a vibrant sound energy. It was not only an introduction to a new country, city, orchestra, and audience but also an opportunity to create shared listening experiences. It's a beautiful coming together around the power of music."
He also praised the orchestra's musicians, saying, "The musicians' dedication to the music has greatly enriched my development as a musician. They are committed to delivering the essence of a musical score as perfectly as possible. Each of our concerts has been remarkable milestones in my musical journey and are deeply cherished memories."
The Artistic Director of the Helsingborg Symphony, Katrine Ganer Skaug, expressed her satisfaction with the appointment, noting, "Maxime Pascal possesses the ability to navigate both the grand and the informal, which are qualities essential for us in Helsingborg. We are delighted and proud of this opportunity. After a comprehensive selection process, we have found an artist with exceptional integrity who truly understands the orchestra's aspirations. He has demonstrated a unique combination of precision and generosity towards the musicians, creating an exceptional working environment."
