France’s Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice Appoints Principal Conductor

French conductor Lionel Bringuier will assume the role for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 concert seasons

Announced by Christian Estrosi the Mayor of Nice, and Bertrand Rossi, general director of the Nice Côte d’Azur Opera, Lionel Bringuier will succeed Daniele Callegari, who has held the role since September 2021.

In his new position as principal conductor of the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra, Bringuier will soon be leading the ensemble in performances featuring pianist Alexandre Tharaud and violinist Renaud Capuçon.

A native of Nice, he was an associate artist of the Opéra de Nice for the 2019/20 season. Under his direction, the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra was recently invited to festivals such as the Festival de Pâques d'Aix-en-Provence and the Chorégies d'Orange. 

Having toured with world-renowned artists, including pianists Yuja Wang and Hélène Grimaud, and violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, Bringuier has recorded two compilations of Ravel’s music on Deutsche Grammophon. 

His accolades include the Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mérite by the French Government, the gold medal from the jury at the Prince Rainier III Academy of Monaco, plus the Aigle de Cristal and the gold medal from the City of Nice. 

“I can no longer count the number of performances that Lionel Bringuier has shared alongside the musicians of the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra, as an associated artist since 2019, offering the public great musical moments,” Estrosi said. 

“I thank him for his loyalty and for sharing his passion with our Orchestra with the same enthusiasm for years,” he continued. “After having conducted the best orchestras around the world, collaborating with internationally renowned soloists, it is a source of pride to have a world-famous virtuoso as Principal Conductor of the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra.”