Klaus Mäkelä Named Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Youngest Music Director

At 28, Finnish conductor Klaus Mäkelä will take the helm of the CSO in the 2027-28 season, marking a historic appointment.

Klaus Mäkelä, 28, will become the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's youngest music director in its history, starting in the 2027-28 season.
Mäkelä's appointment follows a global search and comes after the tenure of Riccardo Muti.
He will lead the orchestra for at least 14 weeks per season, with plans for domestic and European tours.
Mäkelä's contract includes an exclusive recording deal with Decca Classics, promising new releases under the label.
The Finnish conductor's rise in the classical music world includes roles with the Orchestre de Paris and the Oslo Philharmonic.