Pekka Kuusisto starts his tenure as Chief Conductor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra from April 2028, serving an initial period of 3 years. Prior to this, he joined the TMSO as Artist in Residence for a two-year term from April 2026, contributing both as conductor and violinist.

“We are extremely pleased to announce Pekka Kuusisto as our next Chief Conductor from April 2028. He is an exceptional musician, brimming with creativity and able to captivate with his authentic, lively performances. I will never forget the joy and surprise I felt when he conducted TMSO for the first time in April 2024. Before taking up this role, he will collaborate with TMSO as Artist in Residence from April 2026, both as conductor and violinist.”
- Tetsuki Kunishio, Director of Artistic Planning of Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra 

“I have been an admirer of the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra from our first rehearsal together. It is a gift to now become a member of this great musical family. I feel a joyous responsibility for understanding the musical pulse of Tokyo, and how it resonates within Japanese cultural life. As a Finn, I believe we share certain ideals of shape, movement, and concentration, and I am looking forward to exploring them with my friends and colleagues in the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.”
- Pekka Kuusisto

Pekka Kuusisto is the Artistic Director of Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor and Artistic Co-director of Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, and Principal Guest Conductor of Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra.