BBC Philharmonic Orchestra extends contract with Chief Conductor John Storgårds to summer 2028

The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra today announces that its Chief Conductor John Storgårds has extended his contract with the orchestra for a further two years, continuing in the role until summer 2028. The announcement comes as Storgårds prepares to conduct Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 in the final concert of the current season at The Bridgewater Hall (14 June). The performance will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on 2 July.

Storgårds was appointed Principal Guest Conductor in 2012, before becoming Chief Guest Conductor in 2017. He was later appointed Chief Conductor for an initial three-year term. Since then, he has brought his characteristic insight, intensity, and international flair to the orchestra’s artistic direction, with a particular affinity for Nordic repertoire, major symphonic cycles, and contemporary voices.

Looking ahead, this extension ensures continued momentum for the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra’s evolving identity under Storgårds’ baton, with further dynamic projects, recordings, and international collaborations on the horizon. This summer, he conducts the orchestra in two major appearances at the BBC Proms: Shostakovich’s The Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk District in a semi-staged performance featuring Amanda Majeski and Nicky Spence (1 September), and Mahler’s Symphony No. 7 alongside the world premiere of Tom Coult’s Monologues for the Curious with tenor Allan Clayton (21 July), reinforcing the orchestra’s reputation for bold and ambitious programming on the international stage.

Director of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Adam Szabo says: “Our partnership with John has gone from strength to strength, and we’re delighted that he will continue as Chief Conductor through to 2028. His artistry, energy and deep musical insight have played a vital role in shaping the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra’s identity in recent years and we’re excited to continue this journey together as we look ahead to future seasons of bold, imaginative music-making.”

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra’s Chief Conductor John Storgårds added: “I am truly honoured to continue my work with the exceptional musicians of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Our shared musical journey has been incredibly meaningful, and I am excited to build upon the remarkable projects we’ve accomplished together so far, and to continue to bring powerful music to our audiences in Salford, Manchester, London, and beyond – both on stage and via our recordings.”

The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra has recently announced its 2025–26 season, with Chief Conductor John Storgårds leading seven major concerts that highlight both his artistic range and the orchestra’s adventurous programming. Highlights include Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10 (15 November) and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 ‘Resurrection’ (13 June), alongside explorations of the American soundscape in John Adams’ City Noir, Charles Ives’ The Unanswered Question (17 January), and a striking collaboration with Tamara Stefanovich on Grand Pianola Music (1 May). Storgårds’ deep affinity with Nordic repertoire is reflected in Northern Lights (16 May), a compelling programme of Rautavaara, Sibelius, and Nielsen. He also conducts two live studio broadcasts from MediaCityUK, featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 (17 September) and Four Seasons in a Day (14 January).

Full season details can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/philharmonic

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