RSNO appoints Celia Llácer as new Assistant Conductor Posted Wed 5 November 2025
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) has appointed Celia Llácer to the coveted position of Assistant Conductor, a role supported by the Solti Foundation. Following an extensive shortlisting and auditioning process, Llácer was selected as the successful candidate from a pool of over 200 emerging conductors who applied from around the world.
In her new position, Llácer will have many conducting opportunities and receive support and guidance from RSNO Music Director Thomas Søndergård, RSNO Principal Guest Conductor Patrick Hahn as well as player-mentors in the Orchestra. Llácer will also work with the many guest conductors and artists engaged by the RSNO throughout her tenure as RSNO Assistant Conductor and develop the multi-faceted leadership, organisational and public address skills required of modern conductors.
With a master’s degree in conducting from the Zurich University of the Arts, Llácer was the Chief Conductor of the Junges Kammerorchester Ostschweiz in the 2024/25 season and has worked with many eminent orchestras such as Castilla y León Symphony Orchestra, The Dallas Opera, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Orquesta Sinfónica del Principado de Asturias, Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra, Real Filharmonía de Galicia, Hradec Králové Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Gran Canaria, and the Philharmonie Konstanz.
On Llácer’s appointment to the RSNO’s Artistic Team, Music Director Thomas Søndergård said: ‘It’s a pleasure to welcome Celia into the RSNO family. The Orchestra reacted beautifully to Celia’s positive energy, and she stood out amongst the emerging conductors who applied for the position. Once again, the calibre of applicants was very high and with lots of international interest, we have been reminded how competitive the position is. I am really looking forward to working with Celia and seeing her talent grow even more in the next two years.’
The RSNO’s new Assistant Conductor Celia Llácer said: ‘I’m truly excited to begin my role as Assistant Conductor of the RSNO. I’m looking forward to working closely with the Orchestra and contributing to its journey. My experience with the RSNO so far has been inspiring, and I can’t wait to start the upcoming Season together!’
The RSNO Assistant Conductorship is a two-year post and is supported by the Solti Foundation. The scheme is a rare opportunity for conductors who are keen to develop their talent and experience. Previous post-holders have found that their time with a major symphony orchestra significantly improved their career prospects, with many going on to notable appointments with professional orchestras.
Gabrielle Solti, Trustee of the Solti Foundation said: ‘We are delighted to be continuing our support of the RSNO Assistant Conductor programme to help develop young conductors at the start of their career. We wish Celia well as she takes up her new role.’