James Gaffigan appointed Principal Guest Conductor of Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera

TRONDHEIM (February 17, 2021) — Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera announces the appointment of James Gaffigan as Principal Guest Conductor. The appointment takes effect immediately and lasts for two seasons. Gaffigan's first appearances in his new title will be with two opera concerts on March 9 and 11, 2021 plus a concert with soloist Lise Davidsen on March 25, 2021.

James Gaffigan is an internationally sought-after conductor leading top orchestras and opera companies throughout Europe, North America and Asia.

Gaffigan is currently Chief Conductor of the Luzerner Sinfonieorchester and Principal Guest Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. He was also recently appointed Music Director of the Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra, starting in July 2021.

As Chief Conductor of the Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Gaffigan has made a significant impact on the orchestra's profile. Their latest recording of Rachmaninoff on Sony Classical received a Gramophone 2020 Critics' Choice Award. He is an extraordinary orchestra builder who has earned a high level of trust amongst musicians. For Gaffigan, music is about giving something back to the audience. He is genuinely interested in quality music-making that enriches and touches both those who play the music and those who listen.

Prior to COVID, Gaffigan's schedule was filled with performances in the major concert and opera houses of Europe and the United States. Through the pandemic, Gaffigan has spent more time in Norway where his family resides. His wife Camilla Kjøll, a Norwegian violinist, plays regularly with the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera as concertmaster. This opportunity to spend more time in Norway allowed Gaffigan to become better acquainted with the nation's orchestras.

Gaffigan led the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera for the first time in September 2020. He conducted music by Dvorák and Brahms, and there was an immediate chemistry between orchestra and conductor. He connected with the orchestra's high international level of music-making and a deep understanding and feeling for the standard repertoire.

James Gaffigan says: "In my opinion, Trondheim is the 'hidden gem' of the Norwegian music world!"

Together with Chief Conductor Han-Na Chang, James Gaffigan will undoubtedly help to raise the profile of Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera nationally and internationally.