Jahja Ling, director of the Cleveland Orchestra's Blossom Music Festival, has been named as the new conductor of the San Diego Symphony.
Ling, 51, will become the symphony's principal conductor starting in the 2004-2005 season. He'll continue his duties with the Cleveland festival through at least 2005.
He succeeds Jung-Ho Pak, who announced his resignation in 2001 and completed his four-year tenure last year.
"I am eager to work with the musicians, management and the board of directors to offer diverse repertoire and great music-making that will touch people's lives," Ling said in a statement. "My wife, Jessie, and I love San Diego and are very much looking forward to making our new home here."
A five-year contract will have Ling become music director-designate in September, with the first of his concerts scheduled for February.
He expects to spend much of his first year filling about two dozen positions in the orchestra. "There is the potential to become a great institution with a great tradition," he said.