The NHK Symphony Orchestra has announced that its current chief conductor, Fabio Luisi, will be named honorary conductor laureate in September 2028, following the conclusion of his tenure.
The title, awarded to conductors who have made long-standing and significant contributions to the orchestra’s artistic development, will make Luisi the third recipient in the orchestra’s history, after Wolfgang Sawallisch and Herbert Blomstedt.
Luisi has served as chief conductor since 2022, a period that began under the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, chairman Koichi Nakanoya described how the conductor and orchestra “solidified [their] bond” during that time, pointing to a renewed artistic identity that emerged in its aftermath.
Among the highlights of Luisi’s tenure is the orchestra’s European tour in May 2025, which included an appearance at the Mahler Festival in Amsterdam—marking the first participation of an Asian orchestra in the event. The tour, according to the orchestra, received strong critical response across several European musical centres.
The collaboration has also included landmark moments such as the orchestra’s 2000th subscription concert in December 2023, featuring Mahler’s Symphony No. 8. Looking ahead, Luisi is set to lead the ensemble during its centenary celebrations in autumn 2026, with programmes including Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 and a concert performance of Puccini’s Tosca.
In his own statement, Luisi described his relationship with the orchestra—dating back to 2001—as “increasingly consistent and deep over the years,” adding that the honorary title will allow both sides “to continue exploring repertoire” beyond the end of his chief conductorship.
The honorary conductor laureate position will take effect from the 2028–29 season, extending Luisi’s long-standing association with the Tokyo-based orchestra.
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