The Chicago Symphony Orchestra announced Finnish conductor Klaus Mäkelä as its next music director, beginning in September 2027. Mäkelä, who is also currently Chief Conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic, Music Director of the Orchestre de Paris, and Chief Conductor designate for the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam, will succeed Riccardo Muti to become the youngest music director in the CSO’s history.
Why it matters:
- Youthful Leadership: Klaus Mäkelä’s appointment as the CSO’s next music director marks a shift towards youthful leadership, injecting new energy and fresh perspectives into the renowned orchestra.
- International Recognition: Mäkelä’s international reputation as a talented conductor and cellist brings additional global recognition — and a Decca recording contract — to the CSO, enhancing its standing as one of the world’s leading orchestras.
- Conducting Carousel: By signing Mäkelä, the CSO beats other major orchestras searching for a new chief conductor, including the LA Philharmonic, LA Opera, the San Francisco Symphony, and soon the National Symphony Orchestra.
