By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Jan 03, 2008 at 9:15 AM

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra welcomes Edo de Waart as its next music director. Maestro de Waart becomes the MSO's sixth music director when he succeeds current music director Andreas Delfs following the 2008-'09 season. Until then, he will serve as music director designate.

De wart is originally from Holland and is the current chief conductor and artistic director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic. He was unanimously selected to be the MSO's next music director by a 10-member committee of musicians and board members.

In December 2006, Delfs announced his decision to step down after the 2008-'09 season, the MSO's 50th anniversary. Maestro Delfs assumes the title of conductor laureate beginning with the 2009-'10 season.