Esa-Pekka Salonen
Esa-Pekka Salonen will assume, from the new season on, a diverse and comprehensive role as conductor, composer, artistic advisor and ambassador of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet (FNOB). His contract for this newly created position runs for 5 years.
Beyond the purely artistic tasks, Salonen will act as an ambassador for the FNOB in developing new partnerships.
Salonen’s first appearance on the podium will be at the premiere of Elektra on 2 September. He will also conduct the four premieres of the FNOB’s new Ring cycle beginning in 2019. His other conducting duties will be announced separately for each season.
Another aim of the new venture is for Salonen to mentor emerging Finnish conductors: the young and talented Klaus Mäkelä (b. 1996) has been appointed as Salonen’s assistant for the upcoming Ring cycle.
