The seven-year-old MPO named James Judd, the music director of the New Zealand Symphony and the former conductor of the Florida Philharmonic, as its next music director in September 2003. Nine months later, however, the orchestra announced‹without explanation‹that its contract with Judd had been terminated. At the time, founding music director Kees Bakels agreed to remain while another conductor was sought.

According to the Star, Bamert will conduct nine weeks in 2005-06 and 14 weeks in subsequent seasons.

"It is a privilege and an honor to be asked to build on the magnificent foundation laid by Bakels," Bamert said at a press conference announcing the appointment. "The MPO has enormous potential and I can see a very bright future."