News & Tour Dates

Chloe Rooke is SOL’s new Artistic Director & Principal Conductor! Chloe radiates joy in making music and we are thrilled she’s leading us into our next adventures as we gear up for a return to regular touring.

“I’m unbelievably delighted to be taking over as Artistic Director of SOL. Working with the orchestra over the past two years has been life-changing in so many ways. It’s been a privilege to join a family of generous and kind people and musicians, learning from their musicianship and heart for the world.

I’ve seen first hand the impact orchestral music can have when we break the fourth wall, take it outside of the concert hall, and meet people where they are at. Music has far greater power than we realise, particularly in its role to aid wellbeing and offer empathy on life’s journey. It’s vital that people can continue to see, hear and experience this powerful and direct means of communication, wherever they are.

I’m so excited for this next chapter as we continue our vision of making orchestral music accessible: learning more about music and people, seeking to ever better serve communities in England – particularly to carers and those in care, and those with limited access to live music – and continuing to offer a spark of joy to the days of those who encounter us when they least expect it.”

Chloe first took up the baton for us as Assistant Conductor at Barbican’s Sound Unbound festival in 2019 and she’s been been along for the ride ever since. On stepping down, SOL’s Gijs Kramers said:

“I couldn’t be happier about my successor at SOL. It’s not just that Chloe is a stunning conductor, she is also incredibly versatile and totally embodies every aspect of what SOL stands for, something that became very clear in our collaboration the last few years. For me the time has come now to leave this brilliant ensemble, but I’m more than confident that Chloe will lead the orchestra into a glorious musical future!”

And with the abundant energy she brings to the podium we can’t wait to get back to taking music to everyone, anywhere.

www.chloerooke.com
Chloe is represented by Intermusica

Photo credits: above Christian Larsen; below Sylvia Hoffmann