Contralto
French conductor and former contralto who ascended from a celebrated three-decade singing career to become one of the world's most prominent female orchestral leaders, currently music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
Defining moments and milestones
Stutzmann emerged in 1985 as a concert singer, establishing herself over three decades as one of Europe's most distinguished contraltos, celebrated for her interpretations of Bach, lieder, and operatic roles at the Royal Opera House and Opéra de Paris. Under the mentorship of Seiji Ozawa and Sir Simon Rattle, she transitioned into conducting, leveraging her profound vocal knowledge to become a major orchestral leader. In 2022, she became the first female music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, a landmark appointment that recognized her as among the world's most significant female conductors.
First female music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (appointed 2022; contract extended through 2028–2029); 2024 Oper! Award for Best Conductor for Wagner's Tannhäuser at Bayreuth Festival
Nantes Conservatoire; École d'Art Lyrique, Paris Opera
Recordings featuring Nathalie Stutzmann in the Society index
Additional recordings will appear here as the catalog expands.