NDR Bigband announces UK’s Nikki Iles as its Principal Conductor for their 2025/26 season

British bandleader, pianist and composer Nikki Iles will be the new Principal Conductor of the NDR Bigband from the 2025/26 season. She succeeds Geir Lysne and will lead the renowned ensemble for an initial period of two years.

Commenting on her new role Nikki Iles said: “I am absolutely thrilled and humbled to have a chance to deepen my relationship with the wonderful NDR Bigband as their new Chief Conductor. Over the last four years I have felt a very warm connection with them and have shared many inspiring moments in Studio 1 here in Hamburg. It is on account of this collective chemistry and trust that I have found myself, for the first time, able to consider a position such as this. The NDR Bigband is truly an ensemble for our times and they embrace this role with such passion, innovation and a wealth of experience. This is matched by a deep commitment from the organisation that allows us to focus on the music and to keep it at the heart of everything we do. I am so looking forward to programming some exciting and dynamic new collaborations as we celebrate this music in all its diversity and make meaningful connections throughout Europe and further afield. I welcome also the opportunity to connect with new audiences – offering them unprecedented sounds in new settings - and to reach out to future generations through meaningful education projects. It goes without saying that I have the greatest respect for every member of the band and really look forward to a journey full of discovery and to making some fantastic music together!”

Nikki Iles, who attracted attention in 2020 as a participant in the NDR Bigband’s podium for composers and arrangers, has been appointed composer-in-residence of the ensemble in 2023. The joint album Face to Face, which resulted from this close collaboration, delighted audiences and critics alike and was nominated for the German Jazz Award in 2024. For her debut on 27 September in Hannover (NDR Konzerthaus) and on 28 September in Hamburg (Elbphilharmonie), Nikki Iles will bring her new work ‘The Shadow of a Dream – Journeys through a Strange World’, which was composed especially for the NDR Bigband.

NDR Programme Director Ilka Steinhausen: “Nikki Iles marks the beginning of a new era in the history of our internationally acclaimed NDR Big Band. We are hoping for many new, inspiring impulses, because she brings a fantastic network with her. A great artist - and the first female chief conductor to lead a big band of ARD."

Michael Dreyer, NDR Big Band Manager: “Nikki Iles is an extraordinary phenomenon in the world of jazz. The NDR Bigband has really fallen in love with her. We look forward to ourfuture together.”

Sandra Hempel and Klaus Heidenreich, board members of the NDR Bigband: “Nikki Iles is our favourite candidate for the position of Principal Conductor. We are very much lookin forward to working with her.”

For the full programme visit www.ndr.de/orchester_chor/bigband/band/