Esa-Pekka receives British knighthood

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second has awarded an honorary knighthood to Esa-Pekka Salonen ‘for services to music and UK-Finland relations’. The honour marks his final season as music director of the Philharmonia Orchestra, which has Prince Charles as its patron.

Esa-Pekka said: ‘This is a true personal honour, but more than that, it is meaningful to have artists honoured at a national—at a historical—level. It shows an appreciation of art-making as a necessary part of society. A recognition that culture is who we are, not just what we do. I am grateful for my time in London and throughout the UK with the Philharmonia Orchestra. I share this with them.’