The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra announced today that it has extended – for the second time – Susanna Mälkki​​’s Chief Conductor contract. She will continue in the role until spring 2023 with a further option to extend until 2025. Mälkki took over as Chief Conductor of the HPO in autumn 2016.

Commenting on the extension, Mälkki said: ​“The HPO is like the national team of Finnish music. It’s a great joy to be on the stage with them, both at home and abroad. No plans are too ambitious for this team, and now we can continue to realise them together.” 

Aleksi Malmberg, General Manager of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, commented: ​“Mälkki’s profound musical vision and dedication…to the overall development of the orchestra have led us on a meaningful journey. The results of the work performed by her and the orchestra together can be heard and felt by our home audiences here in Helsinki, as well as internationally. I am excited that we will be able to continue our unique collaboration.”

Mälkki’s next appearance with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra is at the Helsinki Festival in August, in which the HPO join forces with the Lahti Symphony Orchestra for two performances of Schoenberg’s monumental Gurrelieder. Highlights of the forthcoming 2019/20 season – the theme of which is Italy, featuring music by Respighi, Busoni, Filidei and many others – include premieres by leading national composers Saariaho and Wennäkoski, the world premiere of Felipe Lara’s new work (jointly commissioned with the Los Angeles Philharmonic) featuring double bassist/​vocalist Esperanza Spalding and flautist Claire Chase, a tour to Belgium in October, and the continuation of the HPO’s Bartók Trilogy recordings for BIS Records.

Mälkki continues to guest-conduct at the very highest level, with forthcoming appearances including return visits to the Bayerischer Rundfunk, New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, London Philharmonic and London Symphony orchestras. 19/20 also sees her return to the Opéra de Paris, as well as debuts with the Orchestre de Paris and the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. She continues in her role as Principal Guest Conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.