Matthias Pintscher Appointed Music Director of Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra

The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra has named German conductor and composer Matthias Pintscher its next Music Director, a decision that will take effect with the 2027‑28 season. Pintscher succeeds Jaime Martín, who will step into the role of Music Director Laureate for the 2026‑27 season.

Pintscher was appointed Music Director Designate for 2026‑27 and has been a fixture at LACO for ten years, beginning in 2018 as Artist‑in‑Residence. Under his baton, the orchestra will stage a program that includes Haydn’s Trauer Symphony, Kayhan Kalhor’s Blue as the Turquoise Night of Neyshabur, and Mozart’s Linz Symphony on April 23 and 25, 2027.

The appointment arrives while Pintscher remains Music Director of the Kansas City Symphony through the 2033‑34 season and serves as Creative Partner of the Cincinnati Symphony. His résumé also lists past leadership roles with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Tonhalle‑Orchester Zürich, and a decade as Music Director of the Ensemble Intercontemporain.

Pintscher’s career is steeped in education. He was Principal Conductor of the Lucerne Festival Academy Orchestra and led the Heidelberger Atelier from 2005 to 2018, before taking on teaching stints at the Karajan Academy, Music Academy of the West, National Orchestral Institute, Junge Deutsche Philharmonie, and Miami’s New World Symphony.

In announcing the move, Pintscher said, “I am deeply honored to step into the role of Music Director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, an ensemble I have long admired. Since I first began working with LACO, I was struck by its spirit of openness and dedication, which is evident both on stage and throughout the organization. I am eager to develop a lasting and meaningful partnership with this extraordinary ensemble.” He added that Los Angeles’ cultural energy and artistic community are a special place for him.

LACO Executive Director Ben Cadwallader called the appointment a “defining moment” for the orchestra. He highlighted Pintscher’s long‑standing ties to the musicians and the city, noting that his “relentless commitment to artistry that is at once fearless and expansive” will build on Martín’s eight‑season legacy. Cadwallader stressed a shared aim of expanding LACO’s reach and making music personal both in Los Angeles and beyond.

Concertmaster Margaret Batjer lauded Pintscher as “one of the most visionary and extraordinary musicians of our time.” She expressed excitement that he will honor LACO’s tradition while ushering in a new era of artistic exploration. Batjer also noted the orchestra’s upcoming relocation to Colburn’s Terri and Jerry Kohl Hall, set to open in fall 2027.

The transition follows a period of growth for LACO. The chamber orchestra has broadened its programming and outreach, and Pintscher’s international experience is expected to expand its repertoire and audience base. His dual commitments in Kansas City and Cincinnati demonstrate his capacity to manage multiple orchestral projects simultaneously.

Pintscher’s inaugural season with LACO will blend classical staples and contemporary works, echoing his history of diverse programming. The highlighted 2026‑27 concerts—Haydn, Kalhor, and Mozart—illustrate this balance. The schedule also features educational concerts and community events, aligning with Pintscher’s long‑standing focus on music education.

The announcement came on August 11, 2026, and the official transition will occur at the start of the 2027‑28 season. Pintscher’s ongoing role with the Kansas City Symphony through 2034 means he will oversee two major orchestras concurrently, a practice that has precedent in the industry.

In sum, Matthias Pintscher’s appointment as Music Director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra represents a significant leadership shift that brings a seasoned conductor with a robust educational and international pedigree to the ensemble. The change aligns with LACO’s strategy to deepen its artistic reach while sustaining its commitment to community engagement.