• Kahchun Wong will formally take up his appointment from the start of the Hallé’s 2024-25 season
  • Sir Mark Elder to become Conductor Emeritus of the Hallé from 2024-25
  • Thomas Adès to become Artist in Residence of the Hallé from 2023-24 for two years

The Hallé is delighted to announce that Kahchun Wong will become Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of Manchester’s iconic symphony orchestra from September 2024. His initial contract will be for five years. Sir Mark Elder will become Conductor Emeritus after twenty-four transformative years which have left the Hallé enriched, revered and the envy of the musical world. The orchestra together with the Hallé Choir and youth ensembles now look ahead with confidence and a new energy, poised to explore and embrace yet more musical challenges and adventures.

Kahchun Wong said:

“I am deeply honoured to be the new Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Hallé. It is an orchestra I have always admired for its beautiful sound and tradition. It is a privilege to become a part of Manchester’s vibrant cultural scene and to continue the high standards of music making associated with Sir Mark Elder and our distinguished predecessors. I am looking forward to working with the visionary team at the Hallé in charting our artistic future together.”

David Butcher, Chief Executive of the Hallé said:

“Everyone at the Hallé is excited about Kahchun Wong’s appointment. From the very first moment in rehearsal it was clear there was a special alchemy between Kahchun and the players, which blossomed into a magical and unforgettable experience for musicians and audience alike. This is an appointment which, alongside new positions for Sir Mark Elder and Thomas Adès, will thrill audiences all around the world, not least our loyal and ever-growing following in northern England’s cultural capital.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said:

“The Hallé has, for over 160 years, been not only a jewel in Manchester’s musical crown, but an orchestra that has been hailed as amongst the best in Britain and beyond. Manchester has always been, and remains an outward looking international city, and we hope this appointment will enhance and expand that reputation.”

Councillor Luthfur Rahman OBE Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said:

“The Hallé is much more than just a world-beating symphony orchestra, it has been part of Manchester’s musical DNA for the last 165 years and has done much during this time to enhance Manchester’s own reputation on the world’s stage as a city of culture and the arts to be reckoned with. With this exciting new appointment the Hallé is set to continue to delight audiences both in Manchester and around the world, and we can’t wait to welcome Kahchun Wong to our city.”

Sir Mark Elder said:

“Working with these extraordinary musicians and performing for our wonderful audience has been the centre of my life for nearly twenty-five years. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to develop these two relationships as Conductor Emeritus and I much look forward to many exciting concerts in the years to come. I wish Kahchun every success and I know the people of Manchester will welcome him
warmly.”

Kahchun will conduct the Hallé at The Bridgewater Hall this Saturday, 24 June at 7pm. He appears as part of Manchester Classical, a Hallé-led festival of music for new audiences featuring all the city’s professional orchestras, in a series of hour-long concerts throughout the day and into the night on 24 and 25 June. Kahchun Wong will be conducting Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and John Harle’s Briggflatts featuring Jess Gillam on saxophone. This will be the public’s first chance to see Kahchun Wong with the Hallé following the announcement of his new role.

Kahchun will also lead the Hallé on a tour of Spain in January 2024, and conduct Fauré’s Requiem with the Hallé at 6pm on Thursday 2 May 2024 in The Bridgewater Hall, just days before Sir Mark Elder’s final run of concerts in Manchester as Music Director of the Hallé.