“Finnish conductor Susanna Malkki will become only the third person ever appointed principal guest conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic,” writes Jessica Gelt in Wednesday’s (4/6) Los Angeles Times. The three-year appointment, beginning in the 2017-18 season, “is auspicious given [that] the two conductors who previously held such a post are Simon Rattle … and Michael Tilson Thomas.” Malkki, who “first worked with the L.A. Phil in 2010 and has developed a strong relationship with the organization … will present three subscription weeks as part of Walt Disney Concert Hall’s 2017-18 season, plus other yet-to-be-announced projects.” Malkki turned to conducting following a four-year stint as principal cellist in the Gothenberg Symphony Orchestra. Malkki says, “It’s probably taken so long [for a women to rise in the field] because the conductor’s position is one of leadership. It’s a wonderful thing that the situation is changing, but ideally we can just focus on what is essential, which is music itself.” Her “history of championing contemporary music suggests that she will reach out to notable contemporary composers” as the L.A. Phil’s principal guest conductor.
Posted April 7, 2016
Pictured: Susanna Malkki leads the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 2010. Photo by Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times
