Esa-Pekka Salonen takes new job

The summer news drought is over.

Finnish National Opera and Ballet has just announced that it has appointed composer and conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen to be Artist in Association, a newly created, five-year position.

‘In this capacity, Salonen will have a broad remit: conducting performances, introducing his compositions into the repertoire and acting as artistic advisor. The Artist in Association relationship includes duties beyond artistic tasks, as Salonen will act as an ambassador for the FNOB in developing new partnerships.’

Salonen, 58, is principal conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra in London and conductor laureate of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

UPDATE: Salonen’s statement:

‘During the last thirty years, the majority of my work as a conductor and composer has taken place abroad. It feels good to finally make long-term plans in my native country, and especially at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, where the flame of artistic ambition is bright and powerful.