The BBC Symphony Orchestra has extended Sakari Oramo’s contract as chief conductor until 2030, the orchestra’s centenary year.
The Finnish maestro joined the BBC Symphony in 2013, and is now the orchestra’s longest serving chief conductor since Adrian Boult. Under his tenure, the ensemble has explored a wealth of repertoire, particularly by Finnish and British composers, and has championed the work of living and historic female composers.
Sakari Oramo comments:
‘I am delighted to renew my contract with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. There’s an aspiration, shared by all parties at the BBC, to take the orchestra forward to its centenary in 2030.
‘Big things are planned for the 100th anniversary and around the orchestra’s move to what will be its purpose-built home at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. We will work hard to establish our presence in that part of London and attract a local audience to the new BBC Music Studios. It’s a great opportunity to take what the BBC Symphony Orchestra is about to a diverse community, especially as we enter prepare to our second century. I am genuinely excited by the potential and the possibilities.’
BBC Symphony Orchestra – at the heart of British music-making
The BBC Symphony Orchestra plays a key role in London’s musical life, performing an annual season at the Barbican where they are associate orchestra, and featuring prominently in the BBC Proms. Alongside Oramo, the BBC SO performs regularly with its principal guest conductor Dalia Stasevksa, and Günter Wand conducting chair Semyon Bychkov.
This Saturday, Sakari Oramo will conduct the orchestra for the Last Night of the Proms, with a programme that includes two world premieres: Carlos Simon’s Hellfighters’ Blues and Ian Farrington’s Extra Time. Joining the orchestra during the evening will be pianist Stephen Hough and soprano Angel Blue.
On 26 September, Oramo and BBC SO will open their autumn/winter season of concerts at the Barbican with Mahler’s Sixth Symphony.