Andris Nelsons

Andris Nelsons
Alexander Böhm · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Andris Nelsons
Caption	Nelsons in 2017
Background	non_vocal_instrumentalist
Birth date	18 November 1978
Birth place	Riga, Latvian SSR, Soviet Union
Occupation	Conductor
Years active	2003–present
Spouse	Kristīne Opolais (m. 2011; div. 2018)
Associated acts	Boston Symphony Orchestra, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Andris Nelsons is a Latvian conductor, internationally acclaimed for his dynamic and passionate interpretations of a wide repertoire. He currently holds the prestigious dual role of Music Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Kapellmeister of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, a historic position. Nelsons is celebrated for his work in the core German Romantic canon, particularly the symphonies of Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss, as well as for championing the music of his compatriot Pēteris Vasks.

Early Life and Education

Born in Riga during the Soviet era, Nelsons was immersed in music from childhood; his mother founded the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra's first choir, and his father was a choral conductor, cellist, and teacher. He initially trained as a trumpeter, studying at the Emīls Dārziņš Music School and later playing principal trumpet in the Latvian National Opera Orchestra under the baton of conductors like Alexander Anissimov. His conducting ambitions were solidified after observing masterclasses by Mariss Jansons, a major influence. Nelsons received formal conducting training at the Riga Cathedral Choir School and later with professor Alexander Titov in Saint Petersburg.

Career

Nelsons's professional breakthrough came in 2003 when he was appointed Music Director of the Latvian National Opera. His international career accelerated rapidly after stepping in for an ailing Neeme Järvi with the Oslo Philharmonic in 2006. This led to his appointment in 2008 as Music Director of the renowned City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), a post previously held by luminaries such as Simon Rattle and Sakari Oramo. His successful tenure with the CBSO, marked by acclaimed concerts at the BBC Proms and tours to venues like the Luzern Concert Hall, established him as a leading conductor of his generation and paved the way for his major appointments in Boston and Leipzig.

Music Directorships

In 2014, Nelsons became the fifteenth Music Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, succeeding James Levine. His contract has been extended multiple times, solidifying a profound partnership that has included ambitious projects like a complete Bruckner symphony cycle and the ongoing Shostakovich project with the Gewandhausorchester. Concurrently, in 2018, he assumed the historic role of Gewandhauskapellmeister of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, following in the footsteps of greats like Wilhelm Furtwängler and Kurt Masur. This dual leadership of two of the world's preeminent orchestras is a rare and significant achievement, fostering artistic exchange and joint recording initiatives.

Recordings and Awards

Nelsons has an extensive and award-winning discography primarily with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra for Deutsche Grammophon. His landmark project with both orchestras, surveying the symphonies of Dmitri Shostakovich, has won multiple Grammy Awards, including for Symphony No. 10. Other celebrated recordings include cycles of Bruckner and Strauss tone poems, which have received accolades such as the Echo Klassik and Gramophone Awards. His recording of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess with the Gewandhausorchester was also widely praised.

Personal Life

Nelsons was formerly married to the renowned Latvian soprano Kristīne Opolais; the couple frequently collaborated on operatic projects, including productions at the Metropolitan Opera and the Royal Opera House. He is now married to Alise Nelsone, a former alto with the Latvian Radio Choir. Nelsons maintains a strong connection to his homeland and is a committed advocate for Latvian music on the global stage. He has been recognized with his nation's highest honors, including the Order of the Three Stars and being named a Commander of the Order of the Polar Star by Sweden.

Category:Living people Category:Latvian conductors Category:Boston Symphony Orchestra music directors Category:Gewandhauskapellmeister