The BBC Singers has appointed Swedish choral director and mezzo-soprano Sofi Jeannin as its new chief conductor.
Jeannin, who is currently musical director of la Maîtraise de Radio France and the French Radio Chorus, will be the first female conductor of the BBC Singers. She will take over in July 2018 from current chief conductor David Hill, who has held the post for ten years.
The only full-time professional chamber choir in the UK, the BBC Singers have a broad repertoire, performing music from across the centuries.
'The BBC Singers represent a performance level which is any conductor's dream,' says Jeannin. 'They are a truly marvellous group and working with them is a joyful experience. The values of excellence, of a rich and varied season, of the closeness with the audiences in the halls and through our radio broadcasts are missions that one cannot treat lightly.'
As chief conductor designate, Jeannin will lead the BBC Singers in a performance at this summer's BBC Proms, as well as in performances around the UK.
'We're thrilled to welcome Sofi to our BBC Orchestras and Choirs family,' says Alan Davey, controller of BBC Radio 3. 'I look forward to watching the Singers continue to grow and thrive under Sofi's direction.'