The Philharmonia Orchestra has announced the appointment of Manfred Honeck as its next Principal Conductor, beginning in September 2028.

Honeck will become only the seventh Principal Conductor in the Philharmonia’s 80-year history, joining Otto Klemperer, Riccardo Muti, Giuseppe Sinopoli, Christoph von Dohnányi, Esa-Pekka Salonen and Santtu-Matias Rouvali.

Over the years Honeck developed a strong musical rapport with the Philharmonia and its musicians, reflecting a shared affinity for the Orchestra’s distinctive sound, its European musical heritage and the Austro-German repertoire at the heart of its history. From 2028, the Philharmonia will become the European anchor for Honeck’s music-making, building a partnership that reaches audiences in London, across the UK and around the world.

The orchestra added that Santtu-Matias Rouvali will remain Principal Conductor until the conclusion of his tenure in summer 2028, marking ten years of partnership with the Orchestra.

In a statement Honeck said, “Since its inception as one of the world’s great orchestras, the Philharmonia has built a distinguished history of innovation and interpretation of the composers close to my heart. It is an honour for me to contribute to shaping the Philharmonia’s unique sound identity and to share it with audiences globally at major international venues, as well as in local communities. London is a capital of classical music and a melting pot of cultures. I look forward to playing my part in enticing audiences to experience the full spectrum of traditional and innovative orchestral music we can offer.”

Thorben Dittes, Chief Executive of the Orchestra, added, “Manfred Honeck is an extraordinary musician with a truly global career. His appointment marks a new chapter for the Philharmonia, building on the Orchestra’s strong European musical tradition and its deep affinity with the Austro-German repertoire. We look forward to becoming the European anchor for Manfred Honeck’s music-making, while building on the innovation and forward momentum created with Esa-Pekka and Santtu.”

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