The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) has announced that Jaime Martín will step into the new role of Music Director Laureate from the 2027/28 season. He will continue in his capacity as Music Director for the entirety of the 2026/27 season.

Martín was first appointed as LACO's Music Director Designate in 2018 and is the orchestra's sixth Music Director. During his tenure, he spearheaded LACO’s program of world premiere performances by a wide range of U.S. and international composers, led the orchestra through the pandemic with a new interdisciplinary digital series, and has become beloved with the local community. 

Martín is presently Chief Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, as well as Principal Guest Conductor with the Orquesta y Coro Nacionales de España, and was previously Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Gävle  Symphony Orchestra from 2013 to 2022. 

Prior to his conducting career he was a flautist, holding the position of principal flute of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, English National Opera, Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, and London Philharmonic Orchestra. As soloist, he made a recording of the Mozart flute concerti with Sir Neville Marriner. 

"Leading LACO has been an exhilarating and meaningful journey," Martín said. "Together with the musicians, staff, and audiences, we’ve explored bold ideas, pushed artistic boundaries, and created unforgettable musical moments, both in breaking new ground, but equally in memorable performances of classic and beloved repertoire from Bach and Brahms to the twentieth century masterworks that are the core of the orchestra’s identity and tradition, which will culminate in a vibrant and treasure-filled program for the 2026-27 season. I look forward to continuing my relationship with LACO as Music Director Laureate, sharing in its exciting future."

"Jaime Martín has elevated the ensemble’s artistic excellence through inspired leadership, exceptional musicianship, and a deep commitment to the repertoire," said Ben Cadwallader, Executive Director. "His work has helped shape LACO’s distinctive sound and strengthen our artistic identity, creating a lasting legacy that will continue through his relationship with the orchestra."