Violinist Joshua Bell has been appointed as Principal Guest Conductor of the New Jersey Symphony.

He will take on this role starting in the 2025-26 season and will serve until the 2028-29 season. In this position, he will participate in one program weekend each season, with additional collaborations to be revealed later.

In his statement, Bell expressed, “I first collaborated with the New Jersey Symphony over thirty years ago, and it has always had a special place in my heart. My latest performance with the Symphony was especially significant, as I had the honor of both playing and conducting. I am excited to continue as principal guest conductor for the next several seasons. I look forward to sharing the stage with my friends at the New Jersey Symphony in the 2025–26 season!”

Bell has been a performer with the New Jersey Symphony for thirty years, and he made his conducting debut with the orchestra in 2023. He will work alongside the Symphony's Music Director, Xian Zhang, who has been with the orchestra since 2016.

Currently, Bell serves as Music Director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, which announced in April 2024 that his contract as Music Director would be extended through the 2027–28 season. He has played with every major orchestra globally and has won six Grammy Awards.