KBS Symphony Orchestra Appoints Yoel Levi and Dmitri Kitaenko as 'Conductor Laureates'

The KBS Symphony Orchestra announced on the 3rd that it has appointed former chief conductors Yoel Levi and Dmitri Kitaenko as laureate conductors.

From the left, conductor Yoel Levi, Dmitri Kitaenko
[Photo by KBS Symphony Orchestra]

A laureate conductor is an honorary title given to conductors who have global prestige or have contributed to the development of the orchestra. Previously, conductor Chung Myung-whun was appointed as the first laureate conductor of the KBS Symphony Orchestra.

Yoel Levi, an Israeli conductor born in Romania, began his association with the KBS Symphony Orchestra when he was appointed as the 8th chief conductor and music director in 2014. He successfully led several European tours and is regarded as a music director who solidly strengthened the foundation of the orchestra.

Russian conductor Dmitri Kitaenko served as the 6th chief conductor of the KBS Symphony Orchestra from 1999 until 2004, a period considered the orchestra’s heyday. Kitaenko studied at the Glinka Conservatory, Leningrad Conservatory, and Moscow Conservatory, and gained recognition by winning a prize at the first Karajan Conducting Competition in 1969. He has held chief conductor and music director positions at major European orchestras such as the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic, and Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Yoel Levi attended the laureate conductor appointment ceremony following the 'K-Classic Spotlight' concert held at the LG Arts Center in Seoul on the 1st, stating, "It is an honor that the relationship which began in the 1990s as a guest conductor has progressed through the music director position to laureate conductor. I will continue to create great music with affection and dedication to the KBS Symphony Orchestra."

In 2018, Yoel Levi released a live recording of Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 with the KBS Symphony Orchestra through the world-renowned record label Deutsche Grammophon (DG), and he has maintained a strong bond with the orchestra through regular guest conducting even after his tenure ended.

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