The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has announced three new appointments to its artistic leadership team ahead of the launch of its 2025–26 London season next week.
Rutter named Artist Laureate
Choral composer Sir John Rutter has been appointed Artist Laureate, formalising a partnership with the orchestra that spans several decades. Already an Honorary Life Member of the RPO, Rutter has regularly collaborated with the ensemble as composer, arranger, conductor and programmer. His new title coincides with his 80th birthday year: on 5 November he will conduct the RPO at St Paul’s Cathedral, in a concert that will include the world premiere of I’ll Make Me a World, a work written for the occasion.
Emilia Hoving as Associate Conductor
Finnish conductor Emilia Hoving will join the orchestra as Associate Conductor for a three-year term beginning this season. Hoving, 29, is regarded as one of the most promising conductors of her generation. She first led the RPO in 2024 at Cadogan Hall and the Bristol Beacon, where she impressed with her clarity and energy.
Kevin John Edusei at Cadogan Hall
German-Ghanaian conductor Kevin John Edusei has been named Conductor-in-Residence at Cadogan Hall for the 2025–26 season. He will lead three programmes there, on 16 October 2025, 26 February 2026 and 27 May 2026. Edusei, who appears regularly with leading orchestras and opera houses across Europe and the US, is known for his stylistic versatility and commitment to contemporary repertoire.
Context and strategy
The new appointments follow a series of recent leadership moves at the orchestra. Vasily Petrenko extended his tenure as Music Director through to 2030, and earlier this year the RPO announced the appointment of Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi as Composer-in-Association. In management, Sarah Bardwell took up the post of Managing Director, with Tom Philpott joining as Director of Artistic Planning and Partnerships.
“The diversity of talents and specialism across our artistic leadership continues to deliver exceptional artistic excellence,” Bardwell said, adding that the RPO’s strategy is to “broaden access to orchestral music at all levels”.
Season ahead
The RPO’s 2025–26 season opens on 24 September at the Royal Albert Hall with Symphonic Queen, a programme celebrating the music of the rock band. During the season the orchestra will perform across four London venues – Royal Albert Hall, Cadogan Hall, Royal Festival Hall and St Paul’s Cathedral – as well as in 24 concerts in 10 towns and cities including Bristol, Gateshead, Hull and Nottingham.
Subscribe to our newsletter