ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Royal Scottish National Orchestra Appoints First Female Music Director

institutional · 2026-05-13

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra has appointed Giedrė Šlekytė as its first female music director. The 37-year-old Lithuanian conductor becomes Music Director Designate immediately and will fully assume the role in fall 2027. Current music director Thomas Søndergård, who also leads the Minnesota Orchestra, will take an emeritus title.

Key facts

  • Giedrė Šlekytė is the first female music director of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
  • Šlekytė is 37 years old and from Lithuania.
  • She becomes Music Director Designate immediately.
  • She fully assumes the position in fall 2027.
  • Current music director Thomas Søndergård will take an emeritus title.
  • Søndergård is also music director of the Minnesota Orchestra.

Entities

Artists

  • Giedrė Šlekytė
  • Thomas Søndergård

Institutions

  • Royal Scottish National Orchestra
  • Minnesota Orchestra
  • Bachtrack

Locations

  • Scotland
  • United Kingdom
  • Lithuania
  • Minnesota
  • United States

Sources