Emmanuel Tjeknavorian, 28, Named Youngest Music Director of Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano

Emmanuel Tjeknavorian, a 28-year-old Austrian violinist of Armenian descent, has been appointed as the new music director of the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano, making him the youngest person ever to lead the ensemble. The decision was unanimous by the orchestra's Board of Directors. Tjeknavorian, who won the Sibelius Prize at age 20, will lead the Largo Mahler-based orchestra for the next three years. He will also perform in the most important concert of the year, the Filarmonica della Scala in Duomo, alongside Riccardo Chailly. His debut is scheduled for February 16. In an interview, Tjeknavorian discussed his family's musical heritage, his vision for the orchestra, and plans to attract younger and more diverse audiences.