Klaus Mäkelä was appointed as the new music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, making him the youngest head of the orchestra since its inception in 1891. At just 28 years old, Mäkelä has had a remarkable career trajectory, previously serving as the principal guest conductor of the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, chief conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic, and music director of the Orchestre de Paris. He will continue his tenure with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in the Netherlands after his contracts in Norway and France expire.
Mäkelä will officially assume the role of CSO music director designate immediately and will start conducting a minimum of 14 weeks per season in 2027-28. He will be the youngest music director of a major U.S. orchestra since Gustavo Dudamel, who was 28 when he began with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2009. Despite his age, Mäkelä remains humble about his accomplishments, stating that he was reminded of his youth when he began conducting in Amsterdam.
Taking over from the renowned Riccardo Muti, who held the position for 13 seasons, Mäkelä will bring a fresh perspective to the orchestra. Muti made several key appointments during his tenure, shaping the orchestra’s sound. Mäkelä expressed his admiration for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, noting that a significant part of the orchestra’s sound still resonates from the era of past directors, such as Fritz Reiner. He first conducted the CSO in April 2022 and felt an immediate chemistry with the musicians.
Mäkelä’s hiring comes at a time when several other major U.S. institutions have upcoming leadership vacancies in the music industry. As part of his responsibilities as a music director, Mäkelä will also be involved in fundraising efforts for the orchestra. His background as a cellist and early exposure to conducting influenced his decision to pursue a career in music. With an impressive list of debuts and recording contracts, Mäkelä has made a name for himself in the classical music world.
Despite his hectic schedule of conducting engagements, Mäkelä is already planning his future programs with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He aims to challenge both himself and the orchestra with innovative and engaging repertoire, signaling a new chapter for the institution. Although he resides primarily in Paris and Oslo, Mäkelä is excited to embark on this new chapter with the CSO and looks forward to building strong partnerships within the Chicago community to further elevate the orchestra’s profile and impact.
As a rising star in the classical music scene, Mäkelä’s appointment as the new music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra signifies a new era of innovation and artistic growth for the prestigious institution. With his youthful energy, passion for music, and impressive track record, Mäkelä is poised to lead the CSO into a promising future, captivating audiences with his dynamic and creative approach to conducting. The music world eagerly anticipates the beginning of Mäkelä’s tenure in 2027, where he will undoubtedly make his mark on one of America’s most esteemed orchestras.
