Delyana Lazarova appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Delyana Lazarova appointed ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ SSO Principal Guest Conductor
Starting September 2025
Delyana Lazarova has been appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Scottish Symphony Orchestra (ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ SSO) from September 2025, the beginning of the orchestra’s 90th anniversary concert season.
Highlights from Lazarova’s debut with the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ SSO in March 2024 are available to watch on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ iPlayer, including Stravinsky’s ‘The Firebird’ and Rodrigo’s ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’ with Scottish guitarist Sean Shibe. “Lazarova’s chemistry with the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ SSO was exhilarating from the start”, described The Scotsman in its five-star review.
Lazarova will work closely with the team of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ SSO to plan and deliver an ambitious programme of concerts, recordings, and broadcasts for audiences across Scotland, as well as on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 3, Radio Scotland and Television.
Delyana Lazarova says: “I am deeply honoured and thrilled to join the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Scottish Symphony Orchestra team as Principal Guest Conductor. From our very first rehearsal, I was impressed by the artistry and exceptional range of expression of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ SSO musicians, whose commitment and passion for the music captured my heart from the start. I eagerly look forward to this exciting journey together, as we explore a diverse repertoire - discovering hidden gems, as well as bringing fresh perspectives to some of the most beloved masterpieces. I cannot wait to reconnect with the wonderful members of the orchestra, hear their beautiful playing once again, and create inspiring music together.”
Lazarova has collaborated with leading orchestras such as the Philharmonia Orchestra, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Symphony Orchestra, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Orchestre National de France and Utah Symphony, where she was appointed Principal Guest Conductor in December 2024. A former assistant to Sir Mark Elder at the Hallé from 2020-2023, Lazarova makes her debut this season with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Minnesota Orchestra.
Dominic Parker, Director of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Scottish Symphony Orchestra, says: “From her very first rehearsal with the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ SSO, it was clear that Delyana was going to make waves. An accomplished violinist and conductor, she brings exceptional musical intelligence to every programme, shaping rehearsals and concerts that are both inspiring and illuminating. With a keen sense of storytelling in her programming and an impressive breadth of repertoire, audiences can look forward to an enriching and enjoyable musical journey with her on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ SSO podium.”
Delyana Lazarova will become Principal Guest Conductor in September 2025. The previous incumbent Ilan Volkov took up the role of Creative Partner in August 2024.
Hayley Valentine, Director of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Scotland, says: "As the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ SSO prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary later this year, I am excited to welcome Delyana Lazarova as its new Principal Guest Conductor. A dynamic and inspiring musician who has already won over audiences, Delyana brings fresh energy and a vast repertoire to explore – equally passionate for both familiar and new music.”
Ryan Wigglesworth, Chief Conductor
Ilan Volkov, Creative Partner
Lucy Drever, Associate Artist
Hans Abrahamsen, Composer-in-Association
Sir Donald Runnicles, Conductor Emeritus
Jerzy Maksymiuk, Conductor Laureate