The 41-year-old Scottish conductor Garry Walker becomes the new chief conductor of the State Orchestra Rheinische Philharmonie in Koblenz. He takes up the position in the season 2017/18 following Daniel Raiskin who has held the position since 2005.  

"We have succeeded in engaging internationally renowned conductor Garry Walker," announced Minister of Culture, Vera Reiss. "The 350 year old State Orchestra Rheinische Philharmonie has the highest reputation in the city of Koblenz, throughout the region of Rheinland Pfalz and across the country and is much in demand. I'm sure that Garry Walker with his passion and creativity will raise the already high level and artistic quality of the orchestra and conquer the hearts of the audience with his Scottish charm and humour," Reiss said.  

The Minister also thanked the outgoing chief conductor Daniel Raiskin. "He has done a great job in the past decade. His work with the Orchestra has received many awards including the ‘ECHO-Klassik' Award. Audiences will continue to enjoy many wonderful concerts under his direction before his departure next summer," she explained.  

A six member panel together with the orchestra subjected the candidates to an elaborate selection process. "Garry Walker is our absolute favourite candidate, not only because of his wonderful collaboration with members of the orchestra but also because Garry Walker very clearly believes that access to good music is as important as a good education or health system for the people in their city and its region. This is so much part of the philosophy of our orchestra," says Günter Müller-Rogalla, Intendant of the Rheinische Philharmonie, who was a member of the selection panel.