«Selling out weeks in advance, this was Daniele Rustioni’s highly anticipated debut in his new role as Chief Conductor of the Ulster Orchestra. There was an electric buzz of anticipation from the Belfast audience. (…) the programme made each work feel like an operatic scene, musically satisfying in themselves, part of a bigger musical account, peaking at the end of the evening. Smiling continuously, Rustioni’s joy for the music was infectious and communicative. His modest, clear conducting brought a breath of new life, the players interpreted and executed each gesture with definition and understanding. If this is indicative of Rustioni’s style, the Ulster Orchestra is in for a surprising and thrilling season.»
Bachtrack, Leighton Jones

«In addition to his duties as music director of the Opéra de Lyon – which is performing Rossini’s Guillaume Tell and Puccini’s Tosca this season – and his final year at the helm of the Orchestra della Toscana, the 36-year-old Milanese takes up his appointment as the Ulster Orchestra’s MD with four programmes in Belfast. The opener features Saint-Saëns’s popular „Organ“ Symphony, preceded by Verdi’s overture to The Sicilian Vespers – in homage to two Sicilian players in the orchestra – and Elgar’s Cello Concerto, with the fine German Johannes Moser as soloist. Another concert offers Mahler’s spectacular Symphony No 2, „Resurrection“, which should set ears in Ulster Hall ringing. In between, Belfast will sample Rustioni’s Beethoven (Eroica) and Bruckner (Symphony No 6). His international guest engagements include a new La Cenerentola (Rossini) in Amsterdam, Verdi’s Otello in Zurich and Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann in Stuttgart. Rustioni is certainly an operatic name to watch. He will conduct two big Verdi operas at Covent Garden in the 2021/22 season.»
The Sunday Times, Hugh Canning

The Ulster Orchestra is delighted to announce that Daniele Rustioni will be its new Chief Conductor to succeed Rafael Payare in September 2019.

Rafael has collaborated with the Orchestra musicians for these past five seasons to build an exciting level of achievement in Northern Ireland, culminating in this season’s exploration of the large-scale Shostakovich symphonies. Of Daniele’s appointment Rafael said: “I am sure that Daniele is going to have a great time with the wonderful artists of the Ulster Orchestra, as well as with their enthusiastic and receptive audience. I have spent the last five years with this ensemble and it will always have a special place in my heart. We have shared unforgettable experiences together, and the musicians as well as the greater community in Northern Ireland have always made my family and me feel at home. I am confident that they will treat Daniele exactly the same way and I wish him all the luck in the world with this new chapter for the Ulster Orchestra.”

Richard Wigley, the Ulster Orchestra’s Managing Director, commented: “Daniele is sought after by orchestras all over the world and in all the major international opera houses. He has all the musicianship and talent necessary to lead the Ulster Orchestra to build on and continue the outstanding trajectory begun with Rafael. His new partnership with the Ulster Orchestra’s musicians couldn’t come at a better time for our burgeoning audiences. I am personally delighted to welcome Daniele into the Ulster Orchestra family, and we have already formulated some great artistic plans together.”

Daniele Rustioni stated: “I perceived a special connection with the Ulster Orchestra ever since I first set foot on the podium at Ulster Hall as a guest conductor a couple of years ago. Emotion and brilliance from the musicians combined with the Hall’s magical atmosphere allows the sound to soar from every instrument and envelope you completely. And what can I say about the touching and exhilarating reception from the wonderful Belfast audience? My heartfelt thanks go to Rafael for his great work and for his warm support in “passing the baton”. I am delighted and profoundly grateful to take the position of Chief Conductor with this fabulous orchestra and I can hardly wait to get started, sharing inspiring music, and collaborating with all the exciting projects that are already taking shape. It will be a thrilling adventure for all of us.”