Petrenko to stay with Liverpool Phil

Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic have reached a new contract agreement that will see the charismatic young Russian maestro stay at the helm of Liverpool's orchestra until 2015.

The announcement comes on the eve of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra 's 2009/10 concert season, commencing on the 10 September at Philharmonic Hall with a sell-out concert featuring Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3.

Petrenko took up the baton as the Liverpool Phil's Principal Conductor in 2006. In 2007, barely eight months in to his original, three year contract, the 33 year-old conductor committed to stay with the Phil to 2012. 

Now, in recognition of Petrenko's exceptional 9-year commitment to the Phil, his galvanising impact on the Orchestra, the City and audience numbers - he has drawn new and younger audiences to classical music -  and the critical acclaim and awards for the Orchestra's concerts, recordings and broadcasts, he will assume the new title of Chief Conductor.

Throughout the next 6 years, to 2015, Vasily Petrenko will continue to conduct the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in at least 25 concerts in Liverpool, in addition to national and international touring dates with the Orchestra, recordings, special concerts and events. 

Speaking about his new role, Vasily Petrenko said; “I am very happy to extend my contract with the Phil and to continue my relationship with this great band of musicians, our audiences and with Liverpool. We began a journey together in 2006 and have learned a lot and grown along the way. The Orchestra and I share the same ambition to be the very best. We work hard, enjoy exploring music and are building our musical reputation together.  I'm looking forward to working with our musicians over the next six years, to continuing to play great music for our audiences and bringing many more people into our concerts in a world class venue here in Liverpool to share the excitement and passion of classical music.”