The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra will enter a new era in September 2026 as internationally acclaimed conductor Nathalie Stutzmann assumes its artistic and musical direction…
She succeeds Kazuki Yamada, who will depart after a decade of dedicated service to take up the leadership of the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin.
Stutzmann was formally presented to the press on Wednesday 10th December at the Rainier III Auditorium, in the presence of Her Royal Highness the Princess of Hanover, along with senior government figures including Counsellor-Minister of the Interior Lionel Beffre and Françoise Gamerdinger, Director of Cultural Affairs. Warmly received by Monaco’s cultural community, she spoke of her ambition to “bring the OPMC back into the light,” notably by expanding the orchestra’s presence across international broadcast platforms. Reaching wider and younger audiences, she said, will be central to her vision.
Although her new responsibilities in Monaco will be significant, Stutzmann will continue in parallel as Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, one of the United States’ leading ensembles.
Well-known to the OPMC musicians and audiences, Stutzmann has collaborated with the orchestra in multiple capacities over the years, as a conductor, a contralto, and an opera director. This rapport, she noted, was a decisive factor in accepting the role. Her early priorities include studying the orchestra’s recent programming, deepening ties with musicians, and developing a recording and touring strategy that reflects the excellence of the ensemble.
Her appointment was welcomed by Monaco’s cultural leadership, who praised her artistic integrity, human warmth, and capacity to strengthen the orchestra’s international resonance. During the ceremony, the Princess of Hanover also paid tribute to Kazuki Yamada for ten seasons of outstanding work, describing his contribution as instrumental to the orchestra’s artistic growth.
