Breaking: Concertgebouw confirms Finn as new chief

The worst kept secret in classical music was made official a few minutes ago.

The young Finn Klaus Mäkelä will become the orchestra’s ‘artistic partner’ from August this year, working five weeks annually

From August 2027 he will be chief conductor on a five-year contract, working 12 weeks a year.

Mäkelä, 26, does not intend at the moment to leave either of his philharmonic orchestras, in Paris and Oslo.

Asked why he chose the C’bouw when so many others were bidding for his services, he said:

‘I am a very sound oriented conductor and this orchestra has a truly extraordinary sound. One you’ve heard it you cannot leave.’

Mäkelä succeeds Daniele Gatti, who was fired four years ago.

He is the youngest chief conductor of any of the world’s leading orchestras.