Finnish Radio has announced the appointment of 36-year-old Nicholas Collon as the new Chief Conductor of its Symphony Orchestra. The unanimous choice of the musicians, Collon will take over from Hannu Lintu in autumn 2021.

Founder and Principal Conductor of the ground-breaking Aurora Orchestra as well as Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Residentie Orkest in The Hague, Collon brings to his new post wide international experience as well as a reputation for high-calibre interpretations of an extensive repertory ranging from Baroque to contemporary music. 

"I could not be more delighted," said Collon. "I look forward to sharing the FRSO's amazing musical culture, from the music of Sibelius and his modern Finnish counterparts, to the musicians' astonishing professionalism, skill and thirst for experimentation."

The FRSO's mission to develop and promote Finnish musical culture will continue under their new director. “Collon will take a very close look at Finnish musical life in the next few years and provide strong input of his own. He already has a long, passionate relationship with the works of Jean Sibelius,” says FRSO General Manager Tuula Sarotie.

The young maestro made his FRSO debut in March 2017, and will return to Helsinki on 17 May to conduct the musicians in Julian Anderson's Fantasias, Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique and Ravel's Piano Concerto in G with Fazil Say.

More information about Nicholas Collon here.