Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra Appoints Kristian Sallinen as Chief Conductor & Artistic Director

As part of his role, Sallinen will lead at least seven to eight concert programmes each season and participate in other artistic projects. He will become the 13th Chief Conductor in the orchestra's 96-year history.

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Sallinen last conducted the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra in September 2025, leading performances of works by Richard Strauss and Magnus Lindberg. He is scheduled to return this September to conduct a programme featuring music by Finnish composers Jean Sibelius, Kaija Saariaho, and Väinö Raitio.

I am deeply honoured and grateful for the trust the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra has placed in me. It is a privilege to work with such outstanding musicians, and I look forward to creating a future together with the orchestra and its audiences, says Kristian Sallinen.

Kristian Sallinen is widely regarded as one of the most promising young conductors, with his international reputation continuing to grow. This spring, he conducted the season-ending concert of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and made his opera debut at the Finnish National Opera. He has recently worked with several major orchestras, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Brussels Philharmonic, and MDR Sinfonieorchester in Leipzig. Sallinen is also set to make his US debut with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, adding to an expanding list of appearances with leading orchestras around the world.

We are absolutely delighted to welcome Kristian in close collaboration with our orchestra. His strong musical vision and expertise have already made a clear impression on our musicians, audiences and critics during his previous visits to Tampere, says Eija Oravuo, General Manager of the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra.

Founded in 1930, the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra is the official orchestra of the City of Tampere. The orchestra has 96 musicians and performs a wide range of music, including symphony concerts, chamber music, opera, ballet, and special performances for children and families. Most of its concerts take place at Tampere Hall, the largest concert venue in Finland.