Chief Conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra Jukka-Pekka Saraste’s contract has been extended through autumn 2029.

Saraste began his role as Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra in 2023. The orchestra announced that he will continue in this position until the summer of 2029. The three-year contract extension begins in autumn 2026, during which he will lead a minimum of eight concert weeks each season.

Of his extension Saraste said in a press release, “Our journey together has started on a strong note. We aim to offer our audiences profound and meaningful experiences, bringing people together through music that truly matters. With long-term programming, we can deepen our artistic collaboration and further develop the orchestra’s artistic identity.”

Aleksi Malmberg, General Manager of HPO, added, “The collaboration between Jukka-Pekka Saraste and the orchestra has been highly productive, both in Helsinki and internationally. We are delighted to continue this artistic journey together.”

Saraste and the orchestra’s next concert is the final concert in the “Sibelius & Saraste Project.” This concert is scheduled for April 2 and 3.

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