The Philadelphia Orchestra has decided on Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Canadian conductor of 35, to become its new music director. He also serves as principal conductor of Montreal’s Orchestra Metropolitan and music director of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra.

For the next two seasons he will have the title of music director-designate, formally taking over in 2012. The contract runs for 7 years, but board chairman Richard B. Worley hopes Séguin will remain longer. Prior to this offer, the Canadian conductor had made two visits here.

He started his journey to the world’s top podiums like a young pianist singing in church choirs. His European debut was in 2004, riding a wave of acclaim and winning much praise for his work and the most recent one was this year with the new production of Carmen on Metropolitan Opera in New York. He debuted Friday in his new post in Philadelphia, with his energetic style. Charles Dutoit who influenced Nezet-Seguin in his early years will continue in the chief conductor position through 2012.

Nezet-Seguin still calls Montreal home and it is very possible that he will continue to serve the Orchestra Metropolitan. He said the very special relationship and wonderful music he makes there helps ground him so he can travel and work with other orchestras in the world.

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