The Transylvania State Philharmonic in Cluj, host of the ICMA Gala 2027, announced the appointment of Gregory Vajda as Principal Conductor, marking an important artistic milestone for one of Romania’s leading musical and cultural institutions and reaffirming its commitment to international excellence.
The press release says: « Described as a ‘young titan’ by the Montreal Gazette following his acclaimed performances with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra of Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle and Schönberg’s Erwartung, Gregory Vajda has rapidly established himself as one of the most sought-after conductors on the international music scene. His work is distinguished by stylistic precision, a compelling artistic vision, and a deep engagement with both the classical canon and contemporary repertoire. »
Reflecting his growing presence in North America, Vajda was appointed in 2011 as the sixth Music Director of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, a position through which he further consolidated his international profile. His career spans major orchestras, festivals, and contemporary music institutions across Europe and beyond.
In Europe, Gregory Vajda assumed the role of Principal Conductor of the Savaria Symphony Orchestra (Hungary) in the autumn of 2022. Additionally, following three seasons as Artist-in-Residence, he was appointed Associate Principal Conductor (Chef Principal Associé) of the French contemporary music ensemble Ars Nova, founded by French-Romanian composer and conductor Marius Constant, for the period 2024–2026.
An important figure in the contemporary music landscape of Central Europe, Vajda serves as Artistic Director of the UMZE New Music Ensemble and Program Director of the Peter Eötvös Contemporary Music Foundation.
After completing a three-year tenure as Principal Conductor, he was named Principal Guest Conductor of the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. He also served as the Artistic Director of the Armel International Opera Festival and Competition (2013-2019) an important platform for innovative operatic productions.
Gregory Vajda’s artistic achievements have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Gundel Art Prize (2001), the Bartók–Pásztory Prize (2018), and the Artisjus Prize for Performing Arts (2020). He holds a DLA degree in Conducting.
The 2025–2026 season will be particularly significant, featuring Vajda’s debut as both conductor and composer with the Israel Contemporary Players, alongside return engagements with the Transylvania State Philharmonic Orchestra Cluj-Napoca (Romania), the Hungarian State Opera, the Pannon Philharmonic, the MÁV Symphony Orchestra.
As part of Hungary’s Kurtág 100 centennial celebrations, he will teach alongside Thomas Adès in a joint masterclass organized by the Peter Eötvös Contemporary Music Foundation and the UMZE Chamber Ensemble.
