Ingmar Beck Appointed New Chief Conductor of the Philharmonie Südwestfalen

It was with great pride and anticipation that I accepted my appointment as Chief Conductor of the Philharmonie Südwestfalen. As part of a highly competitive selection process involving almost 250 international applicants, I was invited to conduct the orchestra at the Haus der Musik in May 2025. Following this audition, I was able to convince the selection committee, comprising representatives of the orchestra, its governing association, its Friends association and the political community. I will take up the position of Chief Conductor at the beginning of the 2026/27 season.

As the state orchestra of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Philharmonie Südwestfalen plays a central role in the region’s musical life. With its major flagship projects, an annual concert calendar of around 100 events and the Haus der Musik rehearsal centre, which opened in 2023, the orchestra has an exceptional foundation for making music at the highest level and reaching a broad audience.

For me, this new role means working with the musicians of the Philharmonie to develop a distinctive artistic identity and unlock the orchestra’s full potential. My aim is not only to strengthen the Philharmonie’s roots within the region, but also to raise its profile beyond the region and throughout Germany as a vibrant, versatile orchestra of outstanding quality—in both classical and contemporary formats.

I look forward to the coming years, filled with inspiring concerts and close artistic collaboration with the musicians of the Philharmonie Südwestfalen and its audiences.