Aziz Shokhakimov
Aziz Shokhakimov (Азиз Шохакимов) is an Uzbek opera and symphonic conductor. He currently holds a position as music and artistic director of Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg. Early life and education 

Shokhakimov is born in Tashkent on 3 October 1988, he joined music school for gifted children named after V.Uspensky at six years old, where he studied violin, viola and orchestra conducting with Vladimir Neymer. Shokhakimov made his debut as a conductor with the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan at the age of 13. Shokhakimov's debut as an opera conductor took place at the Alisher Navoi Theatre, where he led the performance of Bizet's masterpiece, Carmen. In 2001, Shokhakimov was appointed as an assistant conductor for the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan. His talent and commitment led to him being promoted to the position of resident conductor in 2006. Competitions
In 2010, a turning point unfolded in his career in Bamberg, as he got the 2nd prize in the internationally acclaimed Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition. This achievement opened doors to a plethora of opportunities, enabling him to collaborate with musical powerhouses such as the Staatskapelle Dresden, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, and the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi. In August 2016, Shokhakimov gained recognition as the winner of the Herbert von Karajan Young Conductors Award, given to him during the Salzburg Festival. Career
Between 2015 and 2021 Shokhakimov was kapellmeister at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein. He regularly works as guest conductor with leading orchestras and opera houses all around world such as Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Seoul Philharmonic, Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio symphony orchestra, Sinfonia Varsovia, RAI National Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre National de France, Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Bolshoi Theatre, Opera de Paris, Komische Oper Berlin, Tekfen Philharmonic Orchestra and Bayerische staatsoper. Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg 

In 2014, Shokhakimov had his initial engagement with the Orchestre philharmonique de Strasbourg during a program dedicated to the works of Mahler and Shostakovich. This encounter left a lasting impression on him, as he cherished the experience and held fond memories of it. He spoke highly of the Orchestra musicians, describing them as "shining" in their performances. In July 2020, the orchestra announced the appointment of Shokhakimov as its next music director, effective with the 2021-2022 season, with an initial contract of 3 seasons. In November 2022, the orchestra announced the extension of Shokhakimov's contract as its music director through 2026. Filmography 

 Conduct! Every Move Counts! Der Taktstock
 O'zbekistonlik

Personal life
Shokhakimov currently lives in Strasbourg with his wife and two children. References

External links 

 Official website

Living people
1988 births
Male conductors (music)
Musicians from Tashkent
20th-century male musicians
21st-century conductors (music)