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(Photo credit: Askonas Holt)

NY's Orchestra of St. Luke's Renews Contract of Principal Conductor

 

Originally appointed by the Orchestra of St. Luke's (OSL) for four seasons in 2018, Bernard Labadie will now continue in his position and head the OSL's milestone 50th anniversary celebrations.

Known for his interpretations of Baroque and Classical repertoire, the Canadian conductor has led OSL in eight programs at four New York halls this season alone, six of which are at Carnegie Hall, where Labadie has doubled OSL’s annual presence. He also appears more frequently than almost any other conductor this season, making him one of the most warmly welcomed appointments in OSL’s near 50-year history.

On his new contract extension, Labadie commented: “Orchestra of St. Luke’s is a superlative ensemble, bringing together some of today’s most outstanding performing artists. I love the fact that it grew from the will of local young virtuosos who wanted to create something different. There’s something extremely touching about this vitality, which comes from within.

"OSL and I have already developed a profound musical rapport, and I look forward to deepening our relationship further over the years to come, so having the chance to become the longest-serving conductor in its history means a lot to me," he added. "It’s also always a pleasure to perform in New York, the United States’ musical capital, and a treat to have so many excuses to visit! Now that I lead OSL six times or more each season, I’m really getting to know the city and all it has to offer.”

Labadie's predecessors at the OSL included Sir Roger Norrington, Sir Charles Mackerras, Sir Donald Runnicles and Pablo Heras-Casado, making him the ensemble's fifth artistic leader to date. When the orchestra first formed a committee to select its next Principal Conductor in August 2016, a large international search was put in place. However, come 2018, Labadie was within focus and awarded the position in the same year.

“Bernard has a vision. I feel he’s brought a lot of clarity and polish to our performances. He uses his historical knowledge to widen the palette of expression, and he has a certain way of pacing things that structures each piece like a really good novel," commented OSL Concertmaster Krista Bennion Feeney. "It’s tough to come in and be responsible for unifying several dozen highly opinionated musicians and he’s done a remarkable job of it – I think the performances speak for themselves. I also find him to be incredibly personable. He’s just a wonderful guy!”

Aside from the OSL this coming season, Labadie will guest conduct ensembles such as the Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra and Handel & Haydn Society. In his native Canada, he leads the Montreal Symphony and National Arts Centre Orchestra, where he will serve as 2022-23 Creative Partner.

In Europe, he returns to lead the Berlin Radio Symphony, Orchestre National de Lyon, Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, and The English Concert & Chorus, which he leads at next year’s Edinburgh Festival.

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