Audiences are getting more and more familiar with the name Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla for good reason.  The up and coming conductor is gaining attention – and acclaim – for her work in the United States and around the world.

NBC Today recently interviewed Gražinytė-Tyla, introducing her to audiences as the “woman conductor of the LA Philharmonic”.  (She recently was awarded the role of Assistant Conductor .)

And now at least one critic has speculated that Gražinytė-Tyla could be named the new music director of the City of Birmingham (UK) Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).  After two exciting and well received guest appearances, Christopher Morely of the Birmingham Post has shared an enthusiastic endorsement in the review of her most recent appearance with the CBSO on January 10.  Morely said this about the concert – which was recently and hastily added to the season schedule:

She triumphed spectacularly, to huge audience acclaim (and it was a nice bonus to hear the measured clarity of her speaking voice as she informed us of a change in movement-order), and the players seemed highly enthused, too.

It helps that she so obviously enjoys conducting, relishing the partnership she shares with her colleagues. It was charming to see her beaming and silently applauding the delivery of important solos, and to see her beaming with pleasure as every effect came off successfully.

Congratulations to Gražinytė-Tyla for her continued success!  I look forward to following her career as this rising star continues to make headlines.

Update: Yes, Gražinytė-Tyla  was appointed the new Music Director of the CBSO!

Want to learn how to pronounce her name? Definitely worth the bit of practice it will take!