James Gaffigan appointed Music Director of Valencia's Palau de Les Arts

JAMES GAFFIGAN APPOINTED MUSIC DIRECTOR OF PALAU DE LES ARTS IN VALENCIA

VALÉNCIA (June 29, 2021) — Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía of Valencia announces the appointment of James Gaffigan as Music Director. The appointment commences from the 2021/22 season for four seasons. Gaffigan will conduct two opera productions and two symphonic programs each season. This position comes on top of his recent appointment as Principal Guest Conductor of the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera and his post as Music Director of the Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra starting in July 2021.

Les Arts' Artistic Director Jesús Iglesias Noriega said: "We are very happy that James Gaffigan has accepted our invitation to join Les Arts as Music Director. We first collaborated at Dutch National Opera for a production of Porgy and Bess and appreciated his qualities which gave me the trust to invite him to join the team at Palau de Les Arts. He is one of the leading conductors of his generation and will surely contribute to the development of the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana."

James Gaffigan said: "It is an honor and a privilege to take on the role of Music Director at Palau de les Arts, Reina Sofía. The institution has always had high standards and with the artistic partnership of Jesús Iglesias Noriega, we can continue to build towards the future while preserving the past. I'm in awe of the amount of talent within the institution. The orchestra is truly one of the best I have worked with and has the potential to be among the greatest in the world. I say that with no exaggeration."

Gaffigan continues: "Although the orchestra is very diverse, we mustn't forget the large number of incredible Musicians from Spain. This is something that all of Valenciana can celebrate and be proud of. Taking care of your own while welcoming other people into your great region. I believe the Palau de les Arts is a perfect example of this mindset. I look forward to preserving grand opera, exploring more diverse repertoire, great concerts in Valencia and its region, and trying to build an ever deeper relationship to the community. This building is not just a striking architectural marvel. It is a cultural meeting place, that welcomes everyone to enjoy Art and culture at the highest level. I'm happy and proud to be a part of it."

In 2021/22, James Gaffigan will lead two major events at Les Arts: the acclaimed production of Mozart's Requiem staged by Romeo Castellucci and Alban Berg's Wozzeck.