Nathalie Stutzmann

Nathalie Stutzmann, a distinguished figure in the world of classical music, has assumed the role of Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, beginning with the 2022/23 season. She holds the distinction of being only the second woman in history to lead a major American orchestra. In addition to her new appointment, Stutzmann serves as the Principal Guest Conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra since 2021 and as the Chief Conductor of the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra in Norway since 2018.

Regarded as one of the most exceptional musical personalities of our time, Nathalie Stutzmann's charismatic musicianship is characterized by a unique blend of rigor, energy, and imagination. Her repertoire encompasses a rich variety of styles, with a particular focus on Central European and Russian romanticism. From the works of Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms, and Dvorak to the grand symphonic forces of Tchaikovsky, Wagner, Mahler, Bruckner, and Strauss, Stutzmann's interpretations captivate audiences. She also excels in French 19th-century repertoire and impressionism.

Stutzmann's debut season with The Philadelphia Orchestra received high praise from the press, with accolades for her "memorable reading" of Tchaikovsky's Pathétique Symphony and "terrific ideas" in Schubert's Great Symphony. As a guest conductor, she has upcoming performances with renowned orchestras including the Munich, New York, and Helsinki Philharmonics. Additionally, she will return to conduct the London Symphony Orchestra and Orchestre de Paris.

Renowned for her prowess as an opera conductor, Nathalie Stutzmann has led acclaimed productions such as Wagner's Tannhäuser in Monte Carlo and Boito's Mefistofele at the Orange Festival. Her 2022/23 season commences with a new production of Tchaikovsky's Pikovaya Dama at Brussels' La Monnaie, and she is set to make her debut at the Metropolitan Opera with two productions of Mozart's Die Zauberflöte and Don Giovanni. Furthermore, Stutzmann will reunite with Wagner's Tannhäuser for a production at the Bayreuth Festival in 2023.

Nathalie Stutzmann's musical journey began at a young age, studying piano, bassoon, and cello. She honed her conducting skills under the tutelage of legendary Finnish teacher Jorma Panula, and she was mentored by renowned conductors Seiji Ozawa and Sir Simon Rattle, who describes her as "the real thing" with a remarkable blend of love, intensity, and technical prowess.

In addition to her conducting career, Nathalie Stutzmann is celebrated as one of today's most esteemed contraltos. She has recorded over 80 albums, receiving numerous prestigious awards. Her latest album, Contralto, released in January 2021, garnered critical acclaim and received accolades such as Scherzo's 'Exceptional' seal, Opera Magazine's Diamant d'Or, and radio RTL's Classique d'Or. Stutzmann is an exclusive recording artist of Warner Classics/Erato.

Recognizing her significant contributions to the arts, Nathalie Stutzmann has been honored as a "Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur," France's highest honor, and as "Commandeur dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" by the French government. Her remarkable talent and accomplishments continue to shape the landscape of classical music, solidifying her position as a leading maestra on the international stage.