BBC SSO welcomes Delyana Lazarova as Principal Guest Conductor

“Lazarova’s chemistry with the BBC SSO was exhilarating from the start”- The Scotsman

Delyana Lazarova has been appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (BBC SSO) from September 2025, the beginning of the orchestra’s 90th anniversary concert season.

Delyana Lazarova:

“I am deeply honoured and thrilled to join the BBC 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 BBC 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.”

Hayley Valentine, Director of BBC Scotland:

“As the BBC 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.”

Highlights from Lazarova’s debut with the BBC SSO in March 2024 are available to watch on BBC iPlayer, including Stravinsky’s ‘The Firebird’ and Rodrigo’s ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’ with Scottish guitarist Sean Shibe.

Lazarova will work closely with the team of the BBC SSO to plan and deliver an ambitious programme of concerts, recordings, and broadcasts for audiences across Scotland, as well as on BBC Radio 3, Radio Scotland and Television.

Lazarova has collaborated with leading orchestras such as the Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC 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 BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra:

“From her very first rehearsal with the BBC 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 BBC 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.