The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) has recently disclosed that Jun Märkl, a German-Japanese conductor, will assume the role of its eighth Music Director. Märkl, who has been serving as the orchestra's Artistic Advisor since 2021, is set to take on the position of Music Director at the commencement of the 2024/25 season, with an initial term of five years.

Having studied under the guidance of notable figures such as Sergiu Celibidache, Leonard Bernstein, and Seiji Ozawa, Jun Märkl has conducted renowned orchestras including the Munich Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Tonhalle Zürich, and the Oslo Philharmonic.

He has previously held the position of chief conductor with orchestras like the Orchestre National de Lyon and the MDR-Sinfonieorchester Leipzig. Currently, Märkl serves as the Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan and holds the role of Principal Guest Conductor with the Oregon Symphony. Recently, he was appointed as the Chief Conductor of the Residentie Orkest in the Hague.

James Johnson, the CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, expressed excitement about the appointment, stating, "The ISO is thrilled to announce Jun Märkl as the orchestra’s next music director. The ISO is deeply grateful to Maestro Märkl for his artistic leadership and unwavering commitment to the orchestra. We look forward to an exhilarating new era of musical collaboration and artistic excellence in the coming years under Maestro Märkl’s vision."

In response, Märkl conveyed his enthusiasm, saying, "The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra shines a sparkling light throughout the city of Indianapolis with every unforgettable performance. Through our concerts that feature the incredibly talented ISO musicians, highly acclaimed soloists and guest conductors, the ISO’s Education and Community Engagement programs that serve music lovers of all ages, and so much more, the ISO is a positive force for good in our community, and I’m excited and honored to lead the charge."