The Oslo Philharmonic has announced that Klaus Mäkelä will conclude his tenure as Chief Conductor at the end of the 2025–26 season, closing six years of collaboration that began in 2020. The decision means he will step down one year earlier than originally scheduled; his contract had been extended in 2020 through the 2026–27 season.
According to the orchestra’s statement, the partnership will end in May 2026, after a season featuring tours and residencies in Hamburg, Vienna, Paris and Essen, with works by Mahler, Shostakovich, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky and Lindberg among the highlights.
Mäkelä’s growing international commitments are likely to have influenced the timing. He is Music Director of the Orchestre de Paris, Chief Conductor Designate of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (effective 2027–28), and Music Director Designate of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, also beginning in 2027.
The Oslo Philharmonic has not yet announced who will succeed him.
Subscribe to our newsletter