Blomstedt's first engagement in Bamberg in his new role will take place on July 15 with a performance of Anton Bruckner's Symphony no. 8 in the city's historic cathedral.

"I first worked with the orchestra in 1982 and have since conducted some 100 concerts both in Bamberg and on tour," Blomstedt said. "In this time I have developed a special relationship with the musicians as well as with the city of Bamberg, and I very much look forward to returning this summer in my new role."

Blomstedt was born in the U.S. to Swedish parents. He studied conducting at Juilliard and made his conducting debut in February 1954 with the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. He has served as chief conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic and the Swedish and Danish radio orchestras. From 1975 to 1985 he was chief conductor of the Staatskapelle Dresden. He is currently conductor laureate of the San Francisco Symphony, where he served as music director from 1985 to 1995.