Orchestra head quits

(First Edition)

FRANZ WELSER-MOST, the controversial conductor and music director of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, has resignedhis post to take up a similar role with Zurich Opera, writes David Lister.

He will leave the orchestra in 1996.

The Austrian-born conductor will leave the LPO in 1996. He had a difficult start with the LPO six years ago, failing to win critical approval, though this had begun to change recently.

Welser-Most's appointment as music director, with power of hire and fire over the orchestra, was one of the factors in securing the orchestra LPO residency at the South Bank Centre. It is not yet known who will replace him. He said last night he had 'great admiration and affection for the orchestra and its musicians'. His replacement is not yet known.

Orchestra head quits