principal conductor through 2023, along with granting him the new title of konstnärlig ledare (artistic leader). In November 2021, the orchestra announced an additional extension of Harding's contract through 2025. Outside of Europe, in September 2010, Harding took the title of music partner of the New Japan Philharmonic. In April 2012, Harding became artistic director of the Ohga Hall in Karuizawa, Japan. In 2021, Harding conducted the annual Vienna Philharmonic Summer Night Concert for the first time, the first British conductor to lead this concert. Personal life Harding has two children, Adele and George, from his past marriage to Béatrice Muthelet, a violist and co-principal violist of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. The marriage ended in divorce. Harding is a particular fan of the football club Manchester United. Harding is a licensed airline pilot, and in 2019 had announced his intention in 2020 to take a sabbatical from conducting to be a commercial pilot with Air France, plans delayed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Harding was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2021 New Year Honours for services to music. References External links Askonas Holt, artist management 1975 births Deutsche Grammophon artists Living people English conductors (music) British male conductors (music) EMI Classics and Virgin Classics artists 20th-century British conductors (music) People from Oxford People educated at Chetham's School of Music Sony Classical Records artists 21st-century British conductors (music) 20th-century British male musicians 21st-century British male musicians Erato Records artists Commanders of the Order of the British Empire Musicians from Oxfordshire Commercial aviators