Andris Nelsons began his career as a trumpeter in the Latvian National Opera orchestra before transitioning to professional conducting. Born in Riga in 1978, he developed an early interest in the field after attending a performance of Wagner's Tannhäuser. This formative childhood experience eventually led him to study conducting in Saint Petersburg under Alexander Titov.
Early Career and Mentorship
Nelsons participated in master classes with Neeme Järvi, Roberto Carnevale, and Jorma Panula. His path shifted significantly after he substituted for a trumpet player during an Oslo Philharmonic tour, an event that brought him to the attention of Mariss Jansons. Starting in 2002, he received direct mentoring from Jansons. He served as principal conductor of the Latvian National Opera from 2003 to 2007 and held a similar position with the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie in Herford between 2006 and 2009.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →The Birmingham and Boston Tenures
In 2007, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra appointed Nelsons as its 12th principal conductor and music director. He later joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra as music director in 2014, a position he held through several contract extensions until the board of trustees opted not to renew his agreement, with his departure set for 2027. He also served as the Gewandhauskapellmeister in Leipzig starting in the 2017–2018 season.
Recording and Discography
Throughout his career, Nelsons has engaged in extensive studio work. With the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, he recorded music by Igor Stravinsky, Richard Strauss, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky for Orfeo. His collaborations with the Boston Symphony Orchestra for Deutsche Grammophon include a cycle of works by Dmitri Shostakovich. Furthermore, he directed the Vienna Philharmonic in a recording of the complete Beethoven symphonies and performed a trumpet solo during the 2020 Vienna New Year's Concert.
Fast facts
- Born: 1978, Riga, Latvia
- Primary Occupation: Conductor
- Early Training: Piano, trumpet, and bass-baritone vocals
- Key Appointment: Gewandhauskapellmeister, Leipzig (2017–2032)
- Awards: Officer of the Order of the British Empire
- National Honors: Order of the Three Stars, 2nd Class (2016)
- Professional Recognition: Dresdner Musikfestspiel-Preis (2016)
- Language: Latvian
Questions readers ask
Where did Andris Nelsons study conducting?
He studied with Alexander Titov in Saint Petersburg and later with Mariss Jansons.
When will Andris Nelsons conclude his time at the Boston Symphony Orchestra?
He is scheduled to finish his tenure at the end of the 2027 Tanglewood season.
Achievements
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire
- Order of the Three Stars, 2nd Class — 2016
- Instruments: piano and trumpet
- Genres: classical music
