Levente Török becomes General Music Director in Aachen
Levente Török becomes new General Music Director in Aachen (subject to the Council's order in February). The 32-year-old Hungarian is currently Chief Conductor of the North Hungarian Symphony Orchestra, Miskolc. He will take up his new position in Aachen on August 1, 2026. The contract runs until July 31, 2031. The decision was made on the basis of a careful selection process by an Appointment committee. In addition to General Director Elena Tzavara and Administrative Director Miriam Sasserath (both from Theater Aachen), the orchestra board, and cultural policy spokespersons from the council parties, the committee included a trio of experts consisting of Louwrens Langevoort, former director of the Cologne Philharmonic and managing director of Köln Musik GmbH, Boris Ignatov, casting director at the Stuttgart State Opera, and Andreas Bausdorf, managing director of the German Orchestra Foundation and member of the German Music Council.
Artistic vision for the orchestra and the city
The appointment of Levente Török by the Council in February is linked to expectations of sustained artistic development for the Aachen Symphony Orchestra as the central ensemble in the city's musical life. As general music director, Levente Török will be responsible for the orchestra's artistic direction, the programming of symphonic concerts, and the musical quality of the music theater productions at Theater Aachen.
International activity
Levente Török studied at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna and is currently chief conductor of the North Hungarian Symphony Orchestra in Miskolc. His engagements have taken him to the Spanish Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra (ORTVE), the Icelandic Opera, the Hungarian State Opera, and, in April of this year, to the Stuttgart State Opera. His repertoire ranges from classical, romantic, and baroque to contemporary compositions. He attaches particular importance to partnership and cooperation within the ensemble: he sees his work as general music director explicitly as a joint artistic development process. At the same time, he wants to inspire young people to take an interest in what the theater has to offer and sees this as a central task of artistic work, especially in a city dominated by universities.
Reactions on the decision
Dr. Michael Ziemons, Mayor of the City of Aachen
»With Levente Török, the Aachen Symphony Orchestra gains an inspiring and responsible personality whose artistic versatility and commitment to young talent will continue to shape the city's music scene. His international experience, collaborative leadership style, and clear vision for a vibrant, inclusive concert culture make him the ideal general music director for Aachen.«
Heinrich Brötz, Head of the Department of Education, Youth, and Culture for the City of Aachen
»The requirements for a general music director are diverse, and the selection process was very demanding. Mr. Török thoroughly impressed all of the internal and external stakeholders involved, and I am confident that he will bring new energy to our wonderful symphony orchestra and enrich the cultural and musical life of our city.«
Elena Tzavara, General Director Theater Aachen
»Levente Török stands for artistic excellence, stylistic openness, and a keen understanding of collaborative work, as well as for promoting young artists and appealing to young people. He combines musical tradition with a lively view of the present and future and sees the Aachen Symphony Orchestra as a central player in the musical life of our city. I am very much looking forward to working with him and to the impetus he will bring to the orchestra, musical theater, and audiences.«
Orchestra board of the Aachen Symphony Orchestra (member of the Appointment committee)
»We are delighted that Levente Török, a highly committed and inspiring conductor, has been appointed as the new General Music Director for Aachen. The two candidates in the final round had outstanding and very different profiles. We are convinced that Levente Török will inspire audiences in Aachen with his energy and musical language, and we very much look forward to working with him.«
Levente Török
»I was able to get to know the city and its people a little during the selection process. I was particularly impressed by the openness of the population and the fresh vitality of everyday life there. The potential of the theater and the symphony orchestra is enormous, and it is a great honor and motivation for me to have been given the opportunity to further develop this strong ensemble. I am happy to take on this challenge and would like to be an empathetic, equal partner for my colleagues in our shared visions. I am confident that together we will achieve a whole lot!«