Philzuid has announced the extension of its partnership with Chief Conductor Duncan Ward through the 2027-28 season.

Ward began his tenure in the fall of 2021, with an initial contract set to expire at the end of the orchestra's 10th anniversary season in 2023-24. However, it was extended in April 2023 through the summer of 2026, with the option for further extension.

In a statement, newly appointed Managing Director Mette Laugs expressed her delight, saying, "I am thrilled that Philzuid and Duncan will continue working together for an extended period. Duncan has a clear vision to showcase extraordinary repertoire at the highest level in the concert halls of Southern Netherlands and beyond. His goals go beyond that: he aims to inspire and connect with a broad and diverse audience. He is also determined to engage people who have yet to experience classical music, considering it his personal mission to play an active and unifying role in this process."

Ward shared his excitement, stating, "I feel the bond with the orchestra growing stronger with each project and each year, leading to numerous thrilling musical experiences. The flexibility, passion, and precision with which they have embraced such varied works as Bartók's Bluebeard's Castle, Strauss' Alpine Symphony, and Jenny Peña Campo's Cuban Suite (to be released on our upcoming CD) in 2024 is truly inspiring. With this increasing mutual trust and passion for music, I look forward to reaching even greater heights in the years to come, creating unforgettable moments for audiences of all ages and backgrounds, both locally and internationally."

Ward has built a reputation as one of the most dynamic and versatile conductors of his generation, having led esteemed ensembles such as the London Symphony, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Finnish Radio Symphony, Gürzenich-Orchester Köln, and Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg. He has also conducted at the Metropolitan Opera, Zurich Opera, Oper Köln, English National Opera, and Stuttgart Staatsoper.