The Finnish violinist and conductor will be the new principal guest conductor of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra from the 2025-26 season
The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra has announced Pekka Kuusisto as principal guest conductor from 2025-26. Kuusisto will share the title with soprano and conductor, Barbara Hannigan, who has been in the role since 2019 and will continue until 2028.
Kuusisto made his conducting debut with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in 2023, in an appearance with Swedish violinist Ava Bahari. His upcoming appearances with the orchestra include as soloist in Bryce Dessner’s Violin Concerto on 20 November, followed by leading the orchestra in five works by Swedish composer Anders Hillborg.
This appointment adds to Kuusisto’s current roles, which include artistic director of the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, principal guest conductor and artistic co-director of the Helsinki Philharmonic and artistic best friend of Die Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen.
’I have such brilliant experiences from both playing, conducting, and listening to the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, where the musicians bring their entire radiant personalities to the rehearsals and concerts,’ said Kuusisto.
’They make a luxurious sound in their wonderful home and they have heightened communication and presence of large-scale chamber music.’
Kuusisto also recollected participating in the orchestra’s pilates class, something he considers to be ‘quite far from my comfort zone’ and regards as a trust exercise.
’To conduct an ensemble of the Gothenburg Symphony’s calibre is an opportunity to learn,’ continued Kuusisto. ’The total amount of musical knowledge and interpretational instinct of the orchestra is staggering, as is the amount of instrumental skill.
’The Gothenburg Symphony will make me a better musician, and I will begin the exciting search for ways to return the favour,’ he concluded.
’Pekka Kuusisto together with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra will be able to offer the Gothenburg audience a series of unique and exciting musical experiences for several years to come. We are very happy about that,’ said Anna-Karin Larsson, general manager of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra.
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