- He has been crucial in the broadening of the institution’s repertoire and the consolidation and growth of the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana
- James Gaffigan will return to Les Arts to conduct a production in the 2025-2026 season
València (18.12.24). The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía announces today that James Gaffigan will be stepping down as Music Director following the end of the 2024-2025 season. He finishes his 4-season contract with Les Arts on August 31, 2025.
Since his arrival in September 2021, maestro Gaffigan has been a key figure in the artistic growth of Les Arts, thanks to his work in the broadening of the institution’s repertoire and his commitment to contribute to the building and strengthening of the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana (OCV).
One of the main priorities of the new artistic management of Les Arts that began in 2019 has been the consolidation and the broadening of the OCV. During James Gaffigan’s tenure, the orchestra has grown from 54 to 76 musicians, achieving a remarkable growth and enrichment of its orchestra.
James Gaffigan has led important artistic moments in the recent history of Les Arts. Key highlights are the Romeo Castellucci’s staged version of Mozart’s Requiem, the premiere of Wozzeck in the city of Valencia, Tristan und Isolde, Queen of Spades and a brilliant production of Die Zauberflöte that closed the 2023-2024 season.
Notable symphonic programs include Gaffigan’s performances of Dvorak’s Symphony No.9 “New World”, Mahler Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection”, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet and Bruckner’s Symphony No.9.
As maestro Gaffigan has recalled: “When Jesús Iglesias Noriega approached me about this position years ago, he was looking for a partner to build Les Arts and Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana to the highest level. After meeting the orchestra, I jumped at this opportunity.
Over these last four years, we have worked hard, appointed 22 musicians, and the orchestra is playing at an excellent level. Ticket sales for our concerts are higher than ever and I adore our audiences. I am very proud of what we have accomplished and am ready to dedicate my time to new opportunities.
Valencia will always have a special place in my heart, and I feel confident that Les Arts is at a point where I can pass the torch onto the next musical leader to build upon the strong foundation we have created together”.
Jesús Iglesias Noriega, artistic director of Les Arts, has also thanked James Gaffigan for his commitment to one of the main objectives of Les Arts current period: the opening to new audiences and the broadening of its connection with the Valencian territory.
“In addition to his remarkable artistic work, James Gaffigan has been a fundamental ally to develop and to put into effect proposals to approach Les Arts and its orchestra to the citizenship.
His presence in matinee sessions and avant-premières aimed at young people audiences, as well as his role as ambassador of the OCV, has been decisive. He has conducted 16 concerts in different towns around the whole Region of Valencia and he has also led the return of the orchestra to the main summer festivals circuit.
James Gaffigan will return to Les Arts to conduct a production in the 2025-2026 season.
