After more than a decade away from his artistic home, renowned conductor and composer Esa-Pekka Salonen is set to make a triumphant return to the Los Angeles Philharmonic as its newly appointed Creative Director beginning with the 2026-27 season.
The position, newly established and generously endowed by Judith and Thomas Beckmen, will see Salonen conducting and curating approximately six weeks of concerts annually while focusing on multidisciplinary projects and innovative programming.
Salonen’s return represents a continuation of his profound relationship with the LA Phil, where he served as music director for 17 years from 1992 to 2009.
During that transformative period, he led the design and construction of Walt Disney Concert Hall with architect Frank Gehry, commissioned an unprecedented number of new works, and created landmark productions that helped establish the orchestra’s reputation for artistic innovation.
The Finnish maestro’s new role will emphasize pushing the boundaries of orchestral experience through creative direction. This transition reflects the ongoing evolution within the LA Phil’s artistic direction following Gustavo Dudamel’s departure for the New York Philharmonic.
Known for pioneering digital projects such as *RE-RITE*, *Universe of Sound*, and various AI collaborations, Salonen plans to integrate technology, multimedia, and virtual reality into performances to create immersive concert experiences for LA Phil’s diverse audiences.
Salonen expressed excitement about rejoining the Los Angeles Philharmonic, praising the institution’s daring spirit and bold vision that aligns with his artistic philosophy.
Before officially assuming his new position, Salonen will conduct two concert programs in the 2025-26 season, including Scriabin works with pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet and a world premiere violin concerto by Gabriella Smith.
Early 2026 will also feature Busoni’s five-movement concerto with pianist Igor Levit.
This appointment comes as Salonen concludes his five-year tenure as music director of the San Francisco Symphony in 2025, while simultaneously beginning a five-year contract as creativity and innovation chair at Philharmonie de Paris and principal conductor of Orchestre de Paris.
Fans will be able to follow Salonen’s artistic journey through various platforms where the LA Phil will be promoting his performances using targeted advertising and engaging visual content.
For musicians looking to explore orchestral compositions at home, Salonen has been a proponent of audio interfaces and modern recording technologies that democratize music production.
LA Phil leadership has enthusiastically welcomed Salonen’s return, with Board Chair Jason Subotky and the Beckmens emphasizing his enduring inspiration for musicians and potential for continued innovation.
His appointment is expected to further strengthen the institution’s global reputation for artistic excellence and bold experimentation.
