1/22/08: Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg Named the NCCO's New Music Director!

The New Century Chamber Orchestra is proud to announce that Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg has been named Music Director, starting with the 2008-09 season.

Ms. Salerno-Sonnenberg remarked, "Energy, excitement, excellence, and the pure joy of performance - this has been my experience with the New Century Chamber Orchestra. I am thrilled to be the new Music Director and eagerly anticipate the journey to firmly establish the NCCO among the finest chamber ensembles in the world."

"We are truly excited to have such a brilliant violinist and natural leader as our new Music Director," commented Paula Gambs, President of the Board of Directors. "Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg's passion and intensity have captured the hearts of everyone at the New Century Chamber Orchestra. We look forward to an exciting future with Nadja, full of fantastic music and wonderful surprises."

A musician, author, and teacher, Ms. Salerno-Sonnenberg is recognized as one of the world's preeminent violinists performing today. Since 1981, when she burst onto the music scene as the youngest recipient ever of the Walter W. Naumburg International Violin Competition, Ms. Salerno-Sonnenberg has remained in the spotlight, touring internationally, as well as making numerous television appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, 60 Minutes, and Sesame Street, among others.

Visit her website at www.nadjasalernosonnenberg.com .

About the Music Director Search

The New Century Chamber Orchestra formed a Search Committee made up of members of the Board of Directors, Orchestra, and community representatives. The Search Committee, led by Co-Chairs Norm Katz and René Mandel, met at least once every month and spent two years contacting more than 100 violinists from all over the nation. Frontrunners joined the orchestra during the 15th and 16th seasons as guest concertmasters, programming their concerts and leading rehearsals.

About The Orchestra

San Francisco's premiere conductorless ensemble, the Grammy-nominated New Century Chamber Orchestra relies on the virtuosic skill of each individual--instead of a baton--to achieve its improvisatory sound, with power, color and precision.

Hailed "best kept secret in San Francisco," by Sir Simon Rattle, NCCO gives performances that you don't need prior musical experience to enjoy. In intimate, acoustically vibrant venues, experience the magic of the New Century Chamber Orchestra up-close.

Performing standing, NCCO players are totally exposed on stage with no one to hold them together-- no safety net--nothing to fall back on if someone forgets a beat. Their rhythmic unanimity and velvety smooth string tone will knock your socks off and remind you of what's delicious in the world. They're so good, they don't need a conductor.