Paul-Boris Kertsman

Paul-Boris Kertsman is an emerging conductor and pianist noted for his expressive musicianship and instinctive connection with audiences. In the upcoming season, he begins his appointment as Head of Music and Conductor at Lucerne Theatre and joins the Aspen Music Festival as Assistant Conductor. He recently completed two seasons as Assistant Conductor of the Musikkollegium Winterthur, where he worked closely with Music Director Roberto González-Monjas, led performances, and supported renowned guest artists.

Notable engagements include Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti in Lucerne, Mozart’s Idomeneo under the direction of Michael Sturminger, and his debut at the Musikverein Vienna with the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra. He has led the Vienna Philharmonic’s Prokopp Academy, appeared on Austrian National TV, and worked with the WDR Rundfunkchor.

A committed advocate for contemporary music, Kertsman has collaborated with composers including Matthias Pintscher, Chaya Czernowin, and Hannah Kendall. He debuts next season with the Symphonieorchester Vorarlberg for a contemporary festival performance.

Born in New York and raised in Vienna and Chicago, Kertsman completed his conducting studies with Mark Stringer at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.