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Leo Hussain takes over Munich Radio Orchestra

Leo Hussain will be the new chief conductor of the Munich Radio Orchestra. The British conductor will take up the post for the 2027/28 season, as announced by Bavarian Broadcasting (BR) on Tuesday. Born in 1978, he signed a contract for an initial three-year term.

Contract signing: Leo Hussain (right) with Björn Wilhelm

Hussain will succeed Ivan Repušiš, whose contract ends in the summer of 2026 after nine years. The designated chief conductor will already lead concerts of the Munich Radio Orchestra in the upcoming season. He has been a guest conductor of the orchestra on several occasions in the past.

Trained at the University of Cambridge and the Royal Academy of Music in London, Hussain was music director of the Opéra de Rouen and the Salzburg State Theatre. Until summer 2026, he served as chief conductor of the Bucharest George Enescu Philharmonic. Opera and concert engagements took him to Tokyo, the USA, and leading stages in Europe. Among other works, he conducted Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin" and Richard Strauss's "Capriccio" at the Bavarian State Opera.

"With Hussein, we are gaining a chief conductor of international standing who enjoys the highest acclaim in both opera and concert repertoire," said Björn Wilhelm, BR's Director of Cultural Programming. The Munich Radio Orchestra, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in April 2027, stands for stylistic diversity, a spirit of discovery, and the highest artistic quality. Hussein embodies precisely these qualities.

Hussain explained that he felt honored to be able to help shape the next chapter in the orchestra's history together with the musicians. "Even during our first collaboration, I realized how much I value the personality of this orchestra – its warmth, its passion, its humor, and above all, what makes this ensemble so special: its unique combination of versatility and curiosity." After several joint projects of various kinds, he now looks to the future with great anticipation. "Together, we want to discover new works and bring classical music closer to people of all ages and backgrounds – in Bavaria and beyond," emphasized the designated chief conductor.

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