KIRILL Karabits, the principal conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, is to extend his stay.

In a move that will delight the musicians, supporters and audiences, Karabits has signed a new rolling contract, which will take him into 2018 and beyond.

The conductor, who is recognised as something of a global superstar, is now in his sixth season with the acclaimed BSO.

He told the Daily Echo: "I am delighted to be staying. I love working with everyone and I want to help take the orchestra to the next level. We have been pushing and challenging our audiences and we still have lots to achieve."

He added: "I have a very special relationship with the musicians and the audiences. The BSO really is going from strength to strength and it makes me feel really accomplished as a conductor."

The Ukraine-born Karabits also wants to pursue his vision of a purpose-built concert hall for Bournemouth.

"I think this would a fantastic thing for the town and for the BSO in its home town. I really believe we can do it. I feel it is my responsibility to push for it, because if I don't who will?"

Karabits, was named Conductor of the Year at the 2013 Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards, the highest recognition for live classical music in the UK, will lead the BSO at the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in August.

Dougie Scarfe, chief executive of the BSO, said: “Kirill has developed a remarkable engagement with our orchestra, our audiences and our artists.

"The sense of trust and excitement in the hall is tangible and has allowed for engaging and often challenging programming, something which we are striving to continue.

"Kirill has been hugely committed to expanding our unique geographic reach and our work with rising talent; a near-perfect synergy of core values and we are looking forward to Kirill’s future as chief conductor with us.”