Jukka-Pekka Saraste will continue as chief conductor and artistic director of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO) until summer 2029, following a new three-year contract extension that begins in autumn 2026. Saraste, who took up the role in 2023, has been a driving force in shaping the orchestra’s artistic vision, leading it through a period of significant musical and structural development.
Under his leadership, the HPO has strengthened its presence both in Finland and internationally, embracing a forward-thinking approach to artistic collaboration. Saraste’s extended tenure ensures continuity in this artistic journey, with his commitment to conducting at least eight concert weeks per season.
A new artistic approach
A major development during Saraste’s tenure is the redefinition of the orchestra’s artistic leadership model. The HPO is expanding the role of its musicians in decision-making, introducing three conductor-less concerts per year. These performances, designed and led collectively by the musicians, mark a significant step towards a more democratic artistic structure.
“We’ve gained great momentum as an orchestra, and I believe the HPO’s significance, both in Finland and internationally, will grow in the coming years. I’m pleased that we can plan for the future with a long-term vision and offer meaningful experiences to our audiences,” Saraste commented.
This shift challenges traditional orchestral hierarchies, highlighting the ensemble’s interpretative skills and deepening the musicians’ sense of artistic ownership. Such an approach, while rare among major symphony orchestras, fosters a heightened sense of communication and collaboration within the ensemble.
The role of the orchestra as its own guest conductor
From 2026 to 2028, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra will take on the role of principal guest conductor itself—an unprecedented artistic experiment. HPO’s general manager, Aleksi Malmberg, emphasized how this approach strengthens the musicians’ internal dialogue and allows them to shape performances collectively.
“These conductor-less performances develop the orchestra’s ability to interact organically, giving the musicians full interpretative control,” Malmberg explained. “It’s a form of expanded chamber music that not only refines the ensemble’s cohesion but also offers audiences a fresh perspective on orchestral performance.”
Saraste’s impact and the artistic leadership team
Jukka-Pekka Saraste, one of Finland’s most respected conductors, has built a distinguished international career, having led major orchestras across Europe and North America. His tenure with the HPO has been marked by a commitment to artistic depth, clarity of expression, and a strong connection between conductor and musicians.
Since 2023, the orchestra’s artistic leadership has been shaped by a three-member team: Saraste as chief conductor, violinist and conductor Pekka Kuusisto as principal guest conductor, and a rotating composer-in-residence. This season, the composer-in-residence is Samy Moussa, whose works bring a contemporary voice to the orchestra’s programming. The next composer-in-residence will be announced in May alongside the 2025–26 concert season.
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