In his first year as music director, Ferrandis will lead three of the SRS's seven programs; he will lead more concerts after he moves to California in 2007.

Born in France, the 45-year-old Ferrandis studied at London's Guildhall School and the Juilliard School. He has served as music director of the Juilliard Pre-College Orchestra, associate conductor of the Juilliard Opera Center, and music director of Alberta's Banff Art Center.

SRS executive director Alan Silow said that Ferrandis would bring the orchestra "world-class conducting skills, a profound sense of collegial music-making, and a passionate and creative commitment to community outreach."