Renowned conductor and composer Esa-Pekka Salonen is set to embark on a new phase of his distinguished career, accepting significant artistic leadership positions at two of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions: the Los Angeles Philharmonic (LA Phil) and the Philharmonie de Paris, alongside the Orchestre de Paris. These appointments signal a bold new direction for both organizations and reflect Salonen’s ongoing commitment to innovation and cross-cultural collaboration in the classical music landscape.
A Landmark Return to the LA Phil
Beginning with the 2026-27 season, Salonen will assume the newly established role of the Judith and Thomas L Beckmen Creative Director of the LA Phil. This pivotal five-year position, endowed by Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen, underscores Salonen’s deep and enduring connection with the orchestra, where he served as Music Director from 1992 to 2009. In this capacity, he will not only conduct and curate approximately six weeks of programming annually but will also focus on developing multi-disciplinary projects, festivals, and innovative programming that have become hallmarks of the Los Angeles institution. The role is designed to be complementary to the ongoing search for the LA Phil’s next Music Director, promising a dynamic artistic partnership. LA Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy stated that Salonen is the “ideal artist” to inaugurate this “historic new role,” highlighting his “transformational” artistry and “innovative spirit” that helped shape the orchestra into its current form.
Expanding Influence Across the Atlantic
Simultaneously, Salonen’s artistic footprint will extend to Europe with his appointment as Creativity and Innovation Chair of the Philharmonie de Paris and Principal Conductor of the Orchestre de Paris, effective from the 2027-28 season. These five-year appointments will see him conduct a minimum of eight weeks of programming annually with the Orchestre de Paris. This dual focus across the Atlantic signifies a commitment to fostering a global dialogue in classical music, leveraging the distinct cultural energies of Los Angeles and Paris.
Pioneering Collaborative Initiatives
A significant aspect of Salonen’s new mandates will be the spearheading of collaborative initiatives between the LA Phil and the Philharmonie de Paris. These projects aim to create a vibrant artistic exchange, transcending geographical boundaries. Key among these will be the establishment of the Salonen International Conducting Fellowship, designed to mentor and nurture the next generation of conductors. Additionally, a multi-year dance commissioning project will pair leading choreographers with composers, starting with Benjamin Millepied and Gabriella Smith. A collaborative festival is also planned for Fall 2027, further solidifying the partnership. Salonen also intends to explore the integration of media and technology within his projects, continuing his acclaimed work in these areas.
A Visionary Legacy Continues
Salonen’s career is marked by a profound dedication to contemporary music, a commitment to artistic risk-taking, and an embrace of technological advancements. His tenure with the LA Phil from 1992 to 2009 was transformative, during which he commissioned a record number of new works and was instrumental in the construction of the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall. More recently, as Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony, he championed a vision of orchestral music deeply integrated with diverse artistic disciplines, although his tenure concluded due to differing strategic goals with the orchestra’s board. His stated desire to move away from the day-to-day administrative burdens of a Music Director while remaining deeply involved in creative programming makes these new roles a natural fit. His reputation for pushing boundaries and redefining the concert experience is well-documented, making these appointments particularly noteworthy for the future of orchestral music.
These dual appointments place Esa-Pekka Salonen at the forefront of classical music’s evolution, linking two major cultural hubs through his distinctive vision. As the classical music world watches for evolving trends, Salonen’s leadership promises to invigorate programming, foster new talent, and inspire audiences in both Los Angeles and Paris. His continued influence is a significant piece of music news for 2025, signaling an exciting era for orchestral arts.
