Roberto González-Monjas is named the next Chief Conductor  of the Mozarteumorchester Salzburg. His tenure begins in the 2024/25 season.

A frequent collaborator of the Mozarteumorchester since 2019, the Spanish 35-year-old has worked with the orchestra not only as a conductor, but also as a violin soloist, chamber musician and on recordings.

González-Monjas, who studied at Salzburg’s Mozarteum University, devotes a remarkable amount of interest and passion to the works and life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. His versatility, openness and experience, as well as his deep knowledge of Salzburg’s cultural landscape, make him an ideal artistic partner for the further development of the Mozarteumorchester‘s unique path, established in 1841 by Constanze, Franz Xaver and Karl Thomas Mozart.

González-Monjas said, at the contract signing ceremony: “Words can’t possibly describe how excited I am to become the new Chief Conductor of the Mozarteumorchester Salzburg! I fell in love with the orchestra during our first encounter, back in 2019; it felt as if we spoke the same language, and I truly admired its musicians’ eloquence and musical intelligence. Over the years, our connection only grew stronger, and every further collaboration became a source of inspiration and joy. For someone as fascinated as I am by the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, it is deeply humbling to be taking over the reins of this historical orchestra. Together, we’ll foster the founding philosophy of Mozart’s widow and sons, carry it into the future and keep it alive for future generations!”

Siegwald Bütow, the orchestra’s general manager, said: “With Roberto González-Monjas, we have gained an internationally distinguished conductor and musician who embodies what our institution is all about: the constant renewal and revitalization of the music of all epochs, but especially the works of Mozart. With his remarkable artistic abilities, profound knowledge of tradition, curiosity and contagious enthusiasm, Roberto González-Monjas is the ideal Chief Conductor for the Mozarteumorchester Salzburg.”

The musicians of the Mozarteumorchester were also full of praise: “Roberto’s distinct love for music, humble approach, and inspiring and exuberant conducting fully convinced us from the very beginning. It was ‘love at first note,’ whether he was conducting or playing the violin. We don’t only share a meaningful connection to Salzburg and Mozart’s work, but also a profound sense of responsibility towards the extraordinary tradition and history of our orchestra. We are enormously looking forward to a future full of exciting programs and unique concert experiences alongside our audiences”.

Deputy Governor of Salzburg Martina Berthold stated: “With Roberto González-Monjas, the Mozarteumorchester has chosen a Chief Conductor with the utmost artistic integrity and exciting youthful energy – and it makes me especially happy that he was musically trained in Salzburg! His appointment will ensure that the Mozarteumorchester continues to be both a global ambassador and a significant staple in Salzburg’s rich cultural life: whether in its diverse concerts series, at the Salzburg Festival, the Mozartwoche, or playing opera at the Salzburg Landestheater, the Mozarteumorchester always distinguishes itself by its excellence and versatility.”

The next concert for González-Monjas and Mozarteumorchester Salzburg will take place on 11 May in Salzburg’s Grosse Universitätsaula, performing works by Ibert, Mozart and Poulenc. This is followed by appearances at the Salzburg Festival on 5 and 6 August. Additionally, an album of Mozart’s “Colloredo” Serenade and Serenata Notturna will be released in summer 2023 on Berlin Classics, marking the beginning of this exciting collaboration.

Highly sought-after as a conductor and violinist, Roberto González-Monjas is rapidly making a mark on the international scene. A natural musical leader with strong vision and clarity, he possesses a unique mixture of remarkable personal charisma, an abundance of energy, enthusiasm and fierce intelligence. Most recently Roberto was appointed designate Music Director of the Galicia Symphony Orchestra in Spain, starting in September 2023. This appointment recognises Roberto’s long-standing relationship with Spain’s foremost orchestra and strengthens their collaboration, as well as his strong commitment for their educational programmes. Roberto is also Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor of Dalasinfoniettan in Sweden (since the 2019/20 season); Chief Conductor of Musikkollegium Winterthur in Switzerland (since the 2021/22 season); Principal Guest Conductor of the Belgian National Orchestra (since the 2022/23 season); and Artistic Director of Iberacademy in Colombia.

Click here to read the full press release.

Photo: Marco Borggreve