Camilla Greenwell

Santtu-Matias Rouvali appointed Principal Conductor of Philharmonia Orchestra & extends at Gothenburg Symphony

21/5/2019

We are delighted to announce that Santtu-Matias Rouvali has been appointed as the next Principal Conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra from 2021/22 season, and in a parallel development, he extends his existing post as Chief Conductor of the Gothenburg Symphony for a further four years.

Rouvali is only the sixth person to hold the top title in the Philharmonia Orchestra’s 75 year history and is one of the youngest-ever artists to take up the position.

Rouvali’s five-year contract with the Philharmonia will see him working with the Orchestra for 10 weeks a year right across its programme, including leading its flagship London Season as Resident Orchestra at Southbank Centre, where his innate musicianship and communicative flair have been praised “…he is the real thing: music unmistakably flows from him,” (Sunday Times).

Speaking about the appointment, Santtu-Matias Rouvali said:

“I am honoured to be the new Principal Conductor of the Philharmonia. This is the start of a great adventure: London is such an exciting place for orchestras, and the Philharmonia is at the heart of classical music life in this city. The players of the Philharmonia can do anything: they are enormously talented and show an incredible hunger to create great performances. There is huge possibility with this orchestra, and we will do great things together.”

“Santtu’s appointment is a very special moment for both the Philharmonia Orchestra and our wider family of partners, audiences and funders. Santtu represents the future: he’s young, dynamic, a natural musician and a conducting wizard. He has a proven record of building audiences for orchestras and for thinking creatively about what role a symphony orchestra can play in 21st century society. He is a worthy successor to Esa-Pekka, with whom we are delighted to be continuing our relationship in a new guise.”

Helen Sprott, Managing Director

Speaking of his extension in Gothenburg, Santtu-Matias Rouvali says ​“I am delighted and excited to continue the wonderful relationship with this fantastic orchestra.”

Sten Cranner, General Manager and Artistic Director of Gothenburg Symphony:

“We are thrilled about the magnificent artistic outcome of this rare partnership which now has a solid ground to stand on for many years to come.”

The tremendous chemistry in Gothenburg has led to a long series of successful concerts as well as tours in Scandinavia, Germany and Austria, as well as a first volume of Sibelius’ complete symphonies (Alpha Classics) which has received rave reviews and prestigious awards, including the Diapason d’or, Choc Classica, Gramophone Editor’s Choice and Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik.