Gérard Korsten - conductor has been appointed as Principal Guest Conductor of the Free State Symphony Orchestra.

The renowned South African born conductor based in Europe as a conductor since 1996, was appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the FSSO in June 2018. The Board of the FSSO extended an invitation to maestro Korsten to take up this position following his acclaimed appearances with the FSSO in May 2015 and October 2017. During his last visit he indicated his appreciation for the FSSO’s role and vision, as well as his interest in being involved with the FSSO and its music-educational programme over the next several years – in particular to help mentor a new generation of young orchestral musicians in the Free State and South Africa.

In terms of his appointment, maestro Korsten will visit the Free State Symphony Orchestra to conduct at least one symphony concert (or concert series) per year. Given his expressed willingness to help with the development of the orchestra and the mentoring of a new generation of orchestral players, complementary musical mentoring activities will be arranged as opportunities arise and as possible. These could include activities such as mentoring young orchestral musicians, assisting the string principals, presenting conducting master classes, mentoring young opera singers, and so forth.

Korsten will conduct the FSSO's last concert of the year on the 3rd November 2018, where soprano Eva Mei will sing a selection of popular opera arias.

Tickets are on sale from Pacofs bookings office.