New York’s Orchestra of St Luke’s has appointed Pablo Heras-Casado as its principal conductor for a period of four years. At 34 years of age, this is the Spaniard’s first titled appointment with a leading orchestra. He follows an illustrious line of OSL principals including Sir Roger Norrington, Sir Charles Mackerras and Donald Runnicles.

Heras-Casado made his first appearance with OSL in 2011 at the Caramoor International Music Festival. He has conducted many of the world’s major orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Boston and Chicago Symphonies, Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra and Staatskapelle Dresden. He has also forged partnerships with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony and Mostly Mozart Festival, and conducted on the operatic stage for Teatro Real Madrid, English National Opera and Opéra National de Paris. His first performance as OSL’s principal conductor will be at the Caramoor Festival in July 2012.

‘The spirit of this orchestra is deeply inspiring, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work together on a regular basis,’ he said. ‘I am excited to explore all the possibilities presented by St Luke’s beautiful new home, and I look forward to becoming better acquainted with audiences in New York City through my work with this esteemed orchestra.’