Symphonic Orchestra - Mahler 9

About the Conductor

Arjan Tien is widely recognised as one of the most versatile and energetic conductors of his generation. He is praised for his refined sense of style, clear artistic vision and infectious enthusiasm.

Tien has conducted orchestras around the world, including the WDR Funkhausorchester, the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, the Residentie Orkest, the Johannesburg Philharmonic, and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.
He served as chief conductor of the Magogo Chamber Orchestra, where he led innovative programmes and conducted over sixty world premieres. He later became principal conductor of the Atheneum Chamber Orchestra at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague.

From 2017 onward, Tien was chief conductor and artistic leader of the Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy, with whom he developed an acclaimed international profile and several recordings.

He currently teachers Orchestral Conducting at Conservatorium Maastricht, and also teaches at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. His teaching career includes masterclasses around the world, as well as mentorship of young conductors through initiatives such as the South African Conductor’s Competition.

In 2026, he will assume the position of Chief Conductor of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and has been appointed Associate Professor at Stellenbosch University, further highlighting his commitment to artistic excellence and international collaboration.