Lorin Maazel

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Following the Announcement of Maestro Maazel's Contract Renewal
Helga Schmidt (Intendant of the Palau de les Arts)...

Maestro Maazel Renews His Contract as Music Director of the Palau de les Arts through 2010-11

Maestro Lorin Maazel has renewed his contract as Music Director of the Palau de les Arts (Valencia, Spain's three-year old, state-of-the-art opera house) for two seasons. During the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons, he will conduct the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana for 24 performances, which will include two new opera productions, several repertory productions and symphonic concerts.

The Palau's Intendant, Helga Schmidt, announced the renewal of Maestro Maazel’s contract today in a press conference in Valenica, at which he was present along with Valencian Government Culture Counsellor, Trinidad Miró. Lorin Maazel will combine his tasks as the Palau de les Arts Music Director with the running of his new Castleton Festival (Castleton, VA) and other guest conducting commitments, following the completion of his seven-year Music Directorship of the New York Philharmonic at the end of the 2008-09 season.

“Everybody is pleased about Maestro Lorin Maazel’s contract renewal. In three seasons as Music Director, Mr. Maazel has achieved his purpose, turning the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana into one of the most dynamic and admired ensembles on the international scene,” Intendant Helga Schmidt stated.

Lorin Maazel explained that the emotional bond was a decisive factor for his continuing at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía.  “I am not a person of Latin origins, but feelings affect me. The day I announced I was going to leave Valencia, I did so much to my regret. The high quality of the Orchestra, the Choir and also the artistic achievements on one hand, and the human quality of the team assembled by Intendant Helga Schmidt on the other, have been decisive. I have made good friends in Valencia the last three years,” observed Mr. Maazel. He also thanked the President of the Valencian Government, Francisco Camps, for his tremendous support over these last three years.