The Malmö Symphony Orchestra has officially appointed Christian Blex as its new Principal Guest Conductor, a position he will hold during the 2026-27 and 2028-29 seasons. This announcement highlights Blex’s rising prominence in the world of classical music, adding to the orchestra’s rich legacy.
In his statement, Blex expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I’m looking forward to first and foremost some wonderful music-making and risk-taking, as well as the orchestra and I challenging ourselves with interesting repertoire and projects.” His commitment to innovative programming promises an exciting future for the ensemble.
Erik Mikael Karlsson, the CEO and Artistic Director of Malmö Live Konserthus and the Malmö Symphony Orchestra, praised Blex’s talent, describing him as “an incredibly talented young conductor” and noting that it was “love at first ‘ear-to-ear.’” This mutual admiration sets a positive tone for Blex’s upcoming tenure.
Currently, Blex serves as the assistant conductor of the renowned Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester. His career is further distinguished by winning the 2025 Herbert von Karajan Young Conductors Award at the prestigious Salzburg Festival. This accolade has positioned him as a notable figure among emerging conductors.
Blex has collaborated with several esteemed orchestras, including the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Karajan Academy of the Berliner Philharmoniker, and the Norwegian Radio Orchestra. His experience extends to the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Tiroler Symphonieorchester Innsbruck, Kyiv Symphony Orchestra, and many others. This diverse portfolio showcases his versatility and ability to engage with a wide range of musical styles and traditions.
As Blex prepares to step into his new role, the Malmö Symphony Orchestra is poised for an invigorating chapter filled with creativity and artistic exploration. The combination of Blex’s vision and the orchestra’s established reputation promises to create memorable performances for audiences in Malmö and beyond.
