Manfred Honeck, the man picked to conduct the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, isn't a household name -- yet. The Austrian-born conductor will take over the role of sole music director in 2008.

Mr. Honeck will replace the trio of maestros who have shared conducting duties since Mariss Jansons' departure in 2003. Already popular with the musicians he will lead, Mr. Honeck is considered an inspired choice to help the PSO broaden its international acclaim.

His artistry is deeply respected in the classical music community, where "subtle," "rigorous intellectual" and "tasteful" are terms that describe his style.

Like Mike Tomlin, the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, there's genuine excitement about Mr. Honeck's selection. He's considered a natural leader who doesn't have to raise his voice or pound the podium to get results.

The choice is beginning to look exceptionally farsighted the more we learn about the new director's growing reputation in Europe, where the PSO has mounted several successful tours in the last decade.

No less an authority than Mr. Jansons was thrilled by Mr. Honeck's hire. Whenever someone of Mariss Jansons' stature happily passes the baton of music director to a successor, we know that something special is happening. The results can only be music to our ears.