Orchestral Ensemble of Southwestphalia

Southwestphalia Philharmonic Announces New Chief Conductor

The Southwestphalia Philharmonic, the state orchestra of North Rhine-Westphalia based in Siegen, has announced that Ingmar Beck will succeed Nabil Shehata as its chief conductor, effective from the 2026/27 season.

Ingmar Beck, currently working at the Landestheater Linz and conducting at major opera houses worldwide, is recognized for his work with classical and contemporary music. His appointment was made unanimously by the Southwestphalia Philharmonic, following a rigorous selection process that saw him chosen from approximately 250 other applicants.

Beck's predecessor as chief conductor of the Southwestphalia Philharmonic is Ginco Yoshida. Beck has impressed both the orchestra and the audience with his conducting, having previously directed Strauss' "Rosenkavalier", Leos Janáček's "Katya Kabanova", and the world premiere of Viktor Åslund's "Madita" at the Landestheater Linz.

Born and raised in Germany, Beck began his musical career with the Augsburger Domsingknaben and studied violoncello in Weimar and orchestral conducting in Vienna. He graduated with distinction in 2016 from his orchestral conducting studies under Prof. Mark Stringer.

Beck is a multiple prize winner of international competitions as a conductor, cellist, and lied accompanist. He has also been a scholar of the Vienna Philharmonic, the Richard Wagner Foundation, and the "Akademie Musiktheater heute" of the Deutsche Bank Foundation.

In December, Beck will direct the premiere of "Die Fledermaus" at the Tiroler Landestheater Innsbruck, marking the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss. This engagement comes as a fitting prelude to his tenure with the Southwestphalia Philharmonic, where he will direct the orchestra for an initial five-year contract.

Nabil Shehata, who is set to bid farewell in June 2024, expressed his confidence in Beck, stating, "I am certain that Ingmar Beck will continue to build upon the strong foundation we have established and lead the Southwestphalia Philharmonic to new heights."

The Southwestphalia Philharmonic is looking forward to welcoming Ingmar Beck as its new chief conductor, and audiences can expect exciting and innovative programming under his leadership.