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The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra has appointed Mark Elder as its principal guest conductor, with Elder beginning his new role in autumn 2022 in a performance of Delius\u2019s choral and orchestral work A Mass of Life<\/em>.<\/p>\n Elder\u2019s initial term is set to run until July 2025, with three or four programmes each season. He\u2019ll join fellow British conductor Edward Gardner, who has been at the helm of the orchestra for the last six years. The pair worked together at the Hall\u00e9 during the early years of Gardner\u2019s career, when he was Elder\u2019s assistant.<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m thrilled that Mark will be joining us as principal guest conductor,\u2019 says Gardner. \u2018I\u2019ve known Mark all my career; he was a wonderful support to me as a mentor at the beginning and now is a great colleague and friend. The Bergen Philharmonic will benefit so much from his brilliance and passion.\u2019<\/p>\n It was announced earlier this year that Gardner\u2019s contract with the Bergen orchestra was extended until at least 2024<\/strong><\/a>. The news comes just after Gardner has taken up his new role back in the UK as principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Elder\u2019s career hit the ground running in the late 1970s as music director of the English National Opera, before he went on to be appointed music director of the Hall\u00e9 in 1999 \u2013 a position he still holds today<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n