Michal Oren has been officially announced as the Calleva Assistant Conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for the 2026-2027 season. The appointment follows a rigorous selection process held at Lighthouse Poole, the cultural arts centre in Dorset that serves as the resident home and primary performance venue for the orchestra. During this two-day audition period, a total of seven shortlisted candidates were evaluated for the position. The final selection was determined by a direct vote from the musicians of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, established in 1893, is one of the oldest and most recognized cultural institutions operating in the South and South West of England. The Calleva Assistant Conductor program, which operates from 2024 to 2030, is financially supported by The Calleva Foundation. The funding is provided specifically in memory of Jack Butt. The foundation's initiative is designed to offer emerging conductors the necessary platform, resources, and practical experience required to develop their professional careers within the framework of a major professional symphony orchestra.
In a public statement regarding the appointment, Michal Oren expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Oren stated an eagerness to join the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra as the Calleva Assistant Conductor. Oren emphasized that young conductors require substantial time on the podium for professional growth and expressed deep gratitude for receiving this specific opportunity with the organization. Oren also noted that the audition week represented a first visit to the region, highlighting the welcoming nature of the local community and expressing excitement to build relationships with the orchestra's musicians and the regional audiences throughout the upcoming months. Lighthouse Poole, where the auditions took place and where much of the orchestra's activity is based, is recognized as the largest regional arts centre in the United Kingdom outside of London.
During the upcoming tenure, Michal Oren will be responsible for conducting the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in various capacities and performances. The role also involves working in close collaboration with the principal artistic leadership of the organization. This includes the Chief Conductor, Mark Wigglesworth. Wigglesworth, a recognized figure in British classical music known for his extensive work in both symphonic repertoire and opera, guides the artistic direction of the ensemble.
Furthermore, the incoming Calleva Assistant Conductor will work alongside an established team of affiliated conductors who hold titled positions within the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. The artistic team currently includes Chloe Van Soeterstede, who serves as the Principal Guest Conductor, and David Hill, who holds the title of Associate Guest Conductor and is recognized with a Member of the Order of the British Empire designation for his contributions to music.
The roster of affiliated leadership also features prominent historical figures from the orchestra's recent past. Kirill Karabits, a Ukrainian conductor who led the orchestra as Chief Conductor for fifteen years before stepping down in 2024, now holds the title of Conductor Laureate. The team also includes Marin Alsop, an internationally recognized conductor who previously served as the orchestra's Principal Conductor. Alsop was notable for being the first female principal conductor of a major British orchestra and now maintains the title of Conductor Emeritus. Additionally, Andrew Litton, an American conductor and another former Principal Conductor of the ensemble, holds a Conductor Laureate position.
Michal Oren will succeed a line of recent conductors who have held the assistant position at the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Previous individuals to hold this developmental role include Marta Gardolinska, who went on to secure international directing positions after her tenure, as well as Tom Fetherstonhaugh. The immediate predecessor to Oren in the post is Enyi Okpara, the current holder of the Calleva Assistant Conductor title.
