The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association announced today the appointment of Susanna Mälkki as Principal Guest Conductor of the LA Phil for a three-year term beginning in autumn 2017. This prestigious position has only been held by two conductors previously: Sir Simon Rattle and Michael Tilson Thomas.
Mälkki began her relationship with the LA Phil in 2010 and was immediately invited to return, quickly forging a strong rapport with the orchestra. As Principal Guest Conductor, she will present three subscription weeks as part of the Walt Disney Concert Hall 2017/18 season, Green Umbrella dates as well as other projects with the orchestra.
Commenting on the announcement Gustavo Dudamel said: “Susanna Mälkki is one of the most gifted conductors I know, and the orchestra also loves and trusts her. It is wonderful to have such a vibrant artist as our principal guest.”
Mälkki responded: “The LA Phil is one of the most exciting, versatile and skilful ensembles in the world, truly showing what a symphony orchestra of the 21st century can be.”
Susanna Mälkki regularly works with the symphony orchestras in San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, Cleveland and New York.
Appointed as the Chief Conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra effective from the 2016/17 season, she has also built strong relationships with the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Philharmonia Orchestra, Gulbenkian Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and Wiener Symphoniker.
She will make her Metropolitan Opera debut in autumn 2016, and returns to Opéra national de Paris in spring 2017.