The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has named Klaus Mäkelä as its next music director, at the age of 28, making him the youngest maestro in the orchestra’s history. Mäkelä, a Finnish conductor, is known for his charisma and clarity, attributes that have propelled his rapid rise in the world of classical music. He will begin his five-year contract in 2027 and will also take on the role of chief conductor of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam. Mäkelä expressed his excitement to work with the Chicago Symphony, noting the intensity and limitless potential he felt during his guest appearances with the ensemble.
Mäkelä’s connection with the musicians of the Chicago Symphony was evident right from the start, with their rehearsals in 2022 reinforcing the orchestra’s belief that a special relationship was forming. The decision to offer Mäkelä the music director position came after attending his performances in various cities including New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, and Oslo. Mäkelä is currently a highly sought-after conductor, leading the Oslo Philharmonic and Orchestre de Paris, roles he plans to step down from in 2027 to focus on his new positions in Chicago and Amsterdam.
Mäkelä’s appointment brings a generational shift to the Chicago Symphony, as he takes over from the veteran conductor Riccardo Muti. The orchestra, known for its wealth and prestige, is facing challenges such as financial difficulties due to the pandemic and declining subscription numbers. Mäkelä hopes to attract new audiences to classical music, with a focus on diversity and inclusivity in the orchestra. He plans to introduce a wide range of repertoire, from standard works to lesser-known pieces and will prioritize commissioning new compositions from contemporary composers.
One of Mäkelä’s goals is to develop the orchestra’s sound while making it as flexible as possible, enabling them to tackle a variety of musical styles. He also aims to bring more women and people of color into the ensemble, as the orchestra currently has a majority of male members. Mäkelä will start weighing in on auditions immediately to address the lack of diversity in the orchestra, taking advantage of the high number of vacancies due to the pandemic-related delays in auditions. He cites conductors like Esa-Pekka Salonen and Kirill Petrenko as influential figures in his career, admiring their innovative approaches to music and programming.
This week’s concerts mark Mäkelä’s third visit to Chicago, where he has expressed his appreciation for the city’s art, architecture, and food. Despite the city’s harsh winter weather, Mäkelä, being Finnish, feels right at home and is excited to immerse himself in the vibrant cultural scene of Chicago. With his youth, energy, and fresh perspective, Mäkelä is set to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra into a new era, bringing his passion for music and inclusivity to one of the most celebrated orchestras in the United States.
