Esa-Pekka Salonen to Lead Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2026

Esa-Pekka Salonen returns to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra next year. The world-renowned Finnish composer and conductor will become the creative director of the orchestra starting from the 2026/27 season, an appointment that extends over five years, writes LA Times.

Polar Music Prize winner Salonen was the principal conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra during the years 1992–2009. Recently, he left the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra after being dissatisfied with the orchestra's management.

Salonen will not replace Gustavo Dudamel, who is the principal conductor of the LA orchestra until next year – the position of principal conductor is still vacant.