Paavo Järvi named London Philharmonic Orchestra’s next Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor

March 3, 2026

Gramophone

David Burke, Chief Executive of the LPO, Paavo Järvi and Jesús Herrera, Artistic Director of the LPO (Gary Manhine Photography)

Paavo Järvi to succeed Edward Gardner at the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 2028

Paavo Järvi has been named the new Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, taking over from Edward Gardner at the start of the 2028-29 season. The initial contract is for five years.

Järvi, who is currently Music Director of Zurich’s Tonhalle Orchestra, Artistic Director of Bremen’s Kammerphilharmonie (Gramophone’s 2023 Orchestra of the Year) and Artistic Director of the Estonian Festival Orchestra, has headed ensembles in Malmö, Tokyo, Cincinnati, Frankfurt and Paris. This is his first UK chief conductorship, though he was Principal Guest of the CBSO in the 1990s. He was named Gramophone’s Artist of the Year in 2016.

‘It is a privilege to work with an ensemble of such artistry and tradition, and I look forward to the music we will make together’ – Paavo Järvi

Speaking of the appointment, David Burke, Chief Executive of the LPO, said: ‘From the first time I heard Paavo Järvi perform in 2023, it was clear that he shared a remarkable musical connection with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. I am immensely proud to announce this new partnership and excited to see it grow as we approach our 2032 centenary. I am also delighted that Edward Gardner will remain an integral part of this journey. His tenure continues to define a period of extraordinary growth and, with two further seasons already planned, we look forward to continuing our inspiring collaboration for many years to come.’ Paavo Järvi said: ‘I am honoured to take on the role of Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. It is a privilege to work with an ensemble of such artistry and tradition, and I look forward to the music we will make together.’

Järvi joins a distinguished roster of chief conductors of the London Philharmonic that includes its founder Sir Thomas Beecham, Eduard van Beinum, Sir Adrian Boult, Sir John Pritchard, Bernard Haitink, Sir Georg Solti, Klaus Tennstedt, Franz Welser-Möst, Kurt Masur, Vladimir Jurowski and Edward Gardner. The orchestra’s discography – like Paavo Järvi’s – is extensive and distinguished, and includes several Gramophone Award-winning releases (as well as a number of recordings for Chandos headed by Paavo’s father, Neeme). 

As Chief Conductor Designate, Järvi is scheduled to lead three London subscription concerts in the coming seasons as well as touring concerts in the UK and abroad. Tomorrow evening (March 4), he conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra in Sibelius’s Symphony No 2 and Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No 2 with GramophoneAward-winning pianist Alexandre Kantorow at London’s Royal Festival Hall, followed by concerts in Budapest and Athens on March 5 and 7.

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