LJSO announces conductors for 2026
The Limburg Jeugd Simfonieorkest (LJSO) is excited to announce the conductors for its 2026 projects. These internationally recognized musicians will lead the orchestra in two major concerts next year, offering young musicians a chance to perform under expert guidance.
These two acclaimed conductors bring a wealth of experience in both symphonic and operatic repertoire, promising inspiring and high-level performances for the young musicians of LJSO in 2026.
Federico Santi - Spring Project
On April 11, 2026, at Theater Kerkrade, Federico Santi will conduct the LJSO in its Spring Project, featuring Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. Born in Turin, Santi studied composition, piano, chamber music, and orchestral conducting. He launched his international career in 2008 by winning first prize at the 4th International Competition for Conductors in Orvieto. Since then, he has collaborated with prestigious institutions including the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Mariinsky Theater, Opéra Grand Avignon, and Teatro Comunale di Bologna. Known for his expertise in both opera and symphonic repertoire, Santi has conducted more than 50 operas and numerous symphonic concerts across Europe, Russia, and beyond. He is currently associate conductor at Opéra Grand Avignon and opera coordinator at the Conservatorium Maastricht.
Txemi Etxebarria - Autumn Project
On October 11, 2026, at Munttheater Weert, Txemi Etxebarria will lead the Autumn Project. Born in the Basque Country, Spain, Etxebarria has lived in the Netherlands and Belgium for over 20 years. He studied composition and orchestral conducting at the Conservatorium Maastricht and the Koninklijk Conservatorium Antwerpen and furthered his opera training under Federico Santi. Since 2023, he has been chief conductor of the Philips Symfonieorkest, and since 2017, of Harmonieorkest Sint Aemiliaan-Blijerheide. Etxebarria has collaborated with orchestras across Europe, including PhilZuid, the Symphony Orchestra of the National Opera & Ballet Oleg Danovsky in Romania, and the Pleven Philharmonic in Bulgaria. He has also been recognized in several international conducting competitions, including winning first prize at the 4th International Orchestral Conducting Competition in Bilbao.
