The Minnesota Orchestra has announced that Greek violinist and conductor Leonidas Kavakos will become its Principal Guest Conductor beginning with the 2027/28 season, in an initial three-year appointment. The designation marks the Orchestra’s first Principal Guest Conductor appointment in 40 years.
The appointment carries historical resonance. As a young musician growing up in Athens, Kavakos found inspiration in recordings made by the Minneapolis Symphony—now the Minnesota Orchestra—under the legendary Greek conductor Dimitri Mitropoulos, who served as music director from 1937 to 1949.
Music Director Thomas Søndergård welcomed Kavakos as “an artist of great integrity and creativity,” noting that he will bring conviction, passion and distinctive artistic projects to the Orchestra and its audiences.
Kavakos, internationally recognised as one of the leading violinists of his generation and increasingly active on the podium, described the Orchestra’s sound as one of “rare warmth and flexibility.” He recalled being deeply inspired by its recordings with Mitropoulos while still forming his musical identity, and spoke of the strong artistic chemistry he felt when he first conducted the ensemble in 2023.
Under the terms of the appointment, Kavakos will appear for three weeks of concerts each season, conducting the Orchestra at least twice annually and collaborating additionally as violin soloist or chamber musician.
The role of Principal Guest Conductor has not been filled since the 1980s. Previous holders of the position included Leonard Slatkin (1975–79), Klaus Tennstedt (1979–82) and Charles Dutoit (1983–86). The revival of the title underscores the significance of the appointment.
Audiences will first see the new partnership in action in autumn 2027.
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