First invitation to the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande: 3 November 1999

Over the last quarter century, Manfred Honeck has firmly established himself as one of the world's finest conductors. For more than a decade, he worked as Music Director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, continuing a musical tradition that is celebrated at home and abroad as well as through his recordings. Manfred Honeck received his musical education in his native Austria and later became a member of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna Staatsoper, giving his conducting a special cachet.

He began his conducting career as assistant to Claudio Abbado, followed by positions in Zurich, Oslo and Leipzig. Later he was appointed Music Director of the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and later of the Stuttgart Staatsoper.  In addition to his highly acclaimed work in Pittsburgh, he is also in great demand as a guest conductor, performing with major orchestras around the world.