Otto Tausk Chief Conductor Phion
Otto Tausk announced as Chief Conductor of Phion, Orkest van Gelderland & Overijssel
We are delighted to announce that Dutch conductor Otto Tausk has been appointed Chief Conductor of Phion, Orkest van Gelderland & Overijssel. Commencing the position with immediate effect for an initial term of two years, Otto Tausk takes up the position alongside his current role as Music Director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, which he has held since 2018/19 and recently extended his contract for a further four years until the 2025/26 season.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed Chief Conductor of Phion, Orkest van Gelderland & Overijssel. From my first moment working with the musicians I was immediately taken by the great collaborative spirit and warmth of the ambitious musicians brought together from these two great ensembles. I look forward immensely to getting to know all of these wonderful musicians far better, and building on the strong musical connection I feel we have experienced. I am so excited about our journey and collaboration together in this next chapter."
Phion, Orkest van Gelderland & Overijssel is the recently formed orchestra following the union of Het Gelders Orkest and Orkest van het Oosten, creating one new ensemble based in both the Dutch towns of Arnhem and Enschede, giving performances regionally and throughout the Netherlands.
Otto Tausk has most recently worked with Phion, Orkest van Gelderland & Overijssel on 1 July 2020 in Arnhem, conducting a programme of works by Barber, Mendelssohn and Dvořák. This performance marked the orchestra’s first public performance since 13 March 2020, before performances throughout the world drew to a halt owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To further strengthen the existing connections between The Netherlands and Canada, Otto Tausk will be exploring opportunities to unite Phion, Orkest van Gelderland & Overijssel and Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in a partnership that will be a true demonstration of the borderless power of music.