"Since taking up his post this season, François Leleux has brought a fresh breeze to the Kammerakademie"

Conductor and oboist François Leleux brought irrepressible energy, expressive musicianship and great passion to his debut as Artistic Director of the Kammerakademie Potsdam (KAP) on 6 September. Now, ahead of his next appearance with the orchestra alongside violinist Lisa Batiashvili (30 Nov in Potsdam, 1 Dec in Berlin, 3 Dec in Ludwigshafen), his contract has been renewed early and unanimously through summer 2030.

“We musicians unanimously supported extending François’ contract,” says Jan Böttcher, Principal Oboe of the KAP. “Our discussions about programming are wonderfully intense, inspiring, and challenging. We are fortunate — and so is our audience — to experience new repertoire and familiar works in fresh colours with François.”

Dr Manja Schüle, Minister of Culture for Brandenburg, offered the first congratulations: “Since taking up his post this season, François Leleux has brought a fresh breeze to the Kammerakademie — with new repertoire, new artistic partners, new touring venues. He has clearly won the orchestra’s hearts. Such a swift and early extension speaks volumes — both for the Artistic Director and for the orchestra.”

The renewal signals KAP’s clear commitment to an ambitious future: internationally orientated, creatively bold, and rich in sonic possibilities. Leleux — one of Europe’s most charismatic musical figures — will continue to bring his extensive international experience to Potsdam.

“I am truly delighted by the unanimous decision to extend my contract,” says Leleux. “It gives me even more energy and inspiration to lead the outstanding Kammerakademie Potsdam — driven by its remarkable artistic curiosity — to new musical heights.”

Alongside his new appointment as KAP’s Artistic Director, Leleux began his four-year tenure this season as the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra’s first-ever Principal Guest Artist. Building on a distinguished career, he has held positions such as Artistic Partner of Camerata Salzburg, Artist-in-Association with the Orchestre de Chambre de Paris, and Artist-in-Residence with orchestras including the hr-Sinfonieorchester, Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg, Berner Symphonieorchester, Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, and Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife.