Aveline Kirana
The acclaimed Italian conductor Antonello Manacorda has been appointed the new Artistic and Music Director of the esteemed French orchestra Les Siècles. This significant appointment marks a new chapter for the ensemble, renowned for its innovative approach to historical performance and its exploration of the European musical canon. Manacorda, a conductor whose career has been shaped by a deep commitment to authentic interpretation and a profound understanding of orchestral traditions, is set to lead Les Siècles into a future of continued artistic excellence and discovery.
A Conductor Forged in Excellence: Manacorda’s Illustrious Path
Born in Turin, Italy, and now a distinguished resident of Berlin, Antonello Manacorda brings a wealth of experience and a unique artistic vision to his new role. His tenure as Artistic and Music Director of the Kammerakademie Potsdam, from 2010 to 2025, was characterized by critically lauded performances and a significant expansion of the orchestra’s repertoire. This period solidified his reputation as a conductor capable of both profound musical insight and exceptional leadership.
Manacorda’s formative years were profoundly influenced by his close association with the legendary conductor Claudio Abbado. In a pivotal moment that set the course for his distinguished career, Abbado appointed the then 24-year-old Manacorda as concertmaster of the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester in 1994. This early collaboration provided invaluable mentorship and exposure to a rigorous artistic environment. His subsequent role as a founding member and long-serving concertmaster of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra further honed his understanding of orchestral dynamics and the nuances of chamber music performance, skills that are undoubtedly transferable to his directorial responsibilities. This intimate involvement with ensembles at the highest international level has imbued him with a deep appreciation for the collaborative spirit of music-making.
A Vision for Rediscovery and Collective Adventure
Manacorda’s own words eloquently articulate his enthusiasm and vision for his new position with Les Siècles. "The contribution of Les Siècles to the interpretation of the French repertoire is essential," he stated in an official press release. This recognition of the orchestra’s established strength in performing French music underscores his intent to build upon its legacy while simultaneously pushing artistic boundaries.
His intellectual curiosity extends beyond the French repertoire, as he expresses a keen interest in re-examining core classical and romantic works through the lens of period instrumentation. "I also find myself questioning how Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler, Schumann or Stravinsky can sound in our own time, in the 21st century, on period instruments," Manacorda elaborated. This forward-looking perspective suggests a commitment to not merely replicating historical performances but to actively engaging with how these seminal works resonate with contemporary audiences when played on instruments designed for their original contexts.
He views an orchestra like Les Siècles as a vital platform for such exploration. "An orchestra like Les Siècles offers the opportunity to engage fully in the rediscovery of European musical traditions," he explained. This philosophy highlights his belief in the ongoing relevance and potential for new insights within established musical heritage. Manacorda’s artistic ethos is rooted in the idea of music as a shared experience: "For me, music is a collective adventure, a process of shared listening and discovery." This sentiment suggests a leadership style that fosters collaboration and encourages both musicians and audiences to embark on a journey of musical exploration together.
Charting the Course: Inaugural Season and Future Programming
Manacorda’s tenure will commence with a significant artistic statement in his first season as Artistic and Music Director. The opening at the prestigious Théâtre des Champs-Élysées will feature a new production of Jules Massenet’s Thaïs. This production is poised to be particularly noteworthy as it will present the opera in a version that restores passages that have not been heard since the work’s premiere. This commitment to scholarly research and the unveiling of previously obscured musical material exemplifies the innovative spirit that Manacorda intends to bring to Les Siècles.
While the full program for the 2027-28 season will be unveiled in the spring of 2027, anticipation is already building. However, audiences will have an early opportunity to experience Manacorda’s artistic direction. Beginning with the 2026-27 season, he will lead the orchestra in a program centered on Claude Debussy’s evocative masterpiece, La Mer. Performances of this seminal work are scheduled for Munich and Hamburg, offering a preview of the conductor’s interpretative approach and the orchestra’s capabilities.
A Legacy of Innovation: The Evolution of Les Siècles
Les Siècles was established in 2003 by the visionary conductor François-Xavier Roth. Since its inception, the orchestra has carved out a unique niche in the classical music landscape, distinguished by its dedication to performing repertoire on period instruments with a modern sensibility. This approach allows for a fresh perspective on familiar works, bringing clarity, transparency, and a vibrant energy to performances.
The orchestra holds a significant residency at the Atelier Lyrique de Tourcoing, a testament to its commitment to fostering artistic development and engaging with local communities. Furthermore, since the 2022-23 season, Les Siècles has been an orchestra in residence at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, a highly prestigious venue that further elevates its profile on the international stage. This dual residency underscores the orchestra’s ambition and its capacity to engage with audiences across different cultural and geographical landscapes.
Manacorda’s appointment did not arise spontaneously. It is the culmination of a successful guest conducting engagement with Les Siècles in the autumn of 2025. This collaboration included concerts in several key European cities: Amsterdam, Bruges, Tourcoing, and Paris. The positive synergy and mutual artistic understanding forged during these performances evidently sparked a shared desire for a more sustained partnership, leading directly to this significant directorial appointment. The success of these initial collaborations provided a strong foundation for the orchestra and conductor to envision a long-term artistic future together.
Broader Implications for the Orchestral Landscape
Antonello Manacorda’s appointment to Les Siècles carries significant implications for the broader orchestral world. His background, shaped by Abbado and refined through extensive experience with leading ensembles, positions him as a conductor who can bridge historical performance practice with the demands and expectations of contemporary audiences. His emphasis on period instruments, coupled with his interest in exploring the core repertoire of Western classical music, suggests a continued trend towards re-evaluating and re-interpreting established musical traditions.
The success of Les Siècles under Manacorda’s direction could serve as a model for other orchestras seeking to innovate and engage with audiences in new ways. His stated commitment to "shared listening and discovery" hints at programming that may involve educational components, audience engagement initiatives, and perhaps even collaborative projects that involve the wider community.
Furthermore, the orchestra’s continued residency at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and its strong ties to the Atelier Lyrique de Tourcoing indicate a strategic approach to artistic programming and outreach. This dual focus allows for both high-profile international performances and deeper local engagement, a balance that is increasingly vital for the sustainability and relevance of classical music organizations.
The influence of conductors like Manacorda, who possess both deep historical knowledge and a contemporary artistic sensibility, is crucial in ensuring that classical music remains a dynamic and evolving art form. His leadership at Les Siècles promises to be a significant development, one that will undoubtedly be watched with keen interest by musicians, critics, and music lovers across the globe. The orchestra’s commitment to exploring the richness of European musical heritage through the unique sonic palette of period instruments, under the guidance of a conductor with such a distinguished pedigree, sets the stage for a period of exceptional artistic achievement.
