French conductor to take over next year as music director at Seattle Symphony Orchestra

Seattle Symphony names new music director

SEATTLE — The Seattle Symphony Orchestra has picked a 36-year-old French maestro as its new music director.

The Seattle Times reports that Ludovic Morlot (LOO-da-vick More-LOW) assumes the title of “music director designate” this fall, at the beginning of the 2010-11 season.

Morlot will take over as music director when Gerard Schwarz steps down next year after holding the position since 1985.

The energetic Morlot is known as a consensus-builder. He made a positive impression in his Seattle debut as guest conductor last year, and again in his return in April.

Information from: The Seattle Times, www.seattletimes.com