Kenneth Woods
Hailed by Gramophone as a “symphonic conductor of stature,” Kenneth Woods is a conductor, cellist, composer, author, and former rock guitarist whose career spans leading orchestras such as the National Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, and BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Since 2013, he has served as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the English Symphony Orchestra (ESO), and also leads the Elgar Festival in the composer’s hometown.
A lifelong devotee of Mahler’s music, Woods has conducted acclaimed performances of the symphonies and song cycles across Europe and the Americas. His 2011 debut Mahler recording with Somm Records earned an IRR Outstanding rosette, and he is a frequent speaker and writer on Mahler, having contributed to BBC programs and served as blogger for the Mahler in Manchester series.
Under his leadership, the ESO has gained a reputation for adventurous programming, winning awards for premieres of works by Donald Fraser and John Joubert. His recordings with ESO—including projects featuring Ernst Krenek, Elgar, and 21st-century violin concertos—have earned critical praise, including The Times’ Best Recordings and Classic FM’s Disc of the Month.
In 2016, Woods and ESO launched the 21st Century Symphony Project, commissioning nine new symphonies from leading composers. He’s also led high-profile performances of Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde, Elgar with Sheku Kanneh-Mason, and Brahms arranged for full orchestra. His blog, A View from the Podium, is among the most popular classical music blogs globally.
“Woods unleashes the vast finale in thrilling fashion.”
“Woods’s reading of the Mahler symphony was both spacious and sharply detailed. Of his 94 players, the vast majority are Mahlerfest regulars. They come from as far away as New York and Texas, Canada and Korea. They relish this composer’s sweet portamentos and prickly dynamics. They also manifest a rare degree of pride and engagement.”