Franz Welser-Möst
Awards & Honours
3
Awards Won
3
Honours
2
Rankings
2
Covers
2
Records
Franz Welser-Möst's legacy is defined by his extraordinary 25-year tenure with The Cleveland Orchestra, the longest in the ensemble's history. Under his baton, the orchestra achieved a level of international acclaim that placed it among the world's finest. He is one of only a handful of conductors to have led the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year's Concert three times, a testament to his standing in the Viennese tradition. His recordings have earned multiple Echo Klassik and Opus Klassik awards, and his commitment to new music has resulted in premieres of works by John Adams and Thomas Adès. He has been honored with Austria's highest civilian decorations, reflecting his national significance.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Austria
High national honor for services to music
Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Sash for Services to the Republic of Austria
Austria's highest civilian distinction
Honorary Doctorate
In recognition of his contributions to classical music
Rankings & Lists
Top 20 Living Conductors
Greatest Conductors of All Time
Magazine Covers
Gramophone
March 2015
The Cleveland Sound
BBC Music Magazine
October 2018
Welser-Möst: The Maestro's Farewell
Records & Feats
First conductor to lead the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert three times
He conducted the prestigious annual concert in 2011, 2013, and 2023, a feat no other conductor has achieved.
Longest-serving music director of The Cleveland Orchestra
Served for 25 years from 2002 to 2027, the longest tenure in the orchestra's history.