Karina Canellakis extends contract with the London Philharmonic Orchestra to the end of the 2029/30 season

Mon 15 Jun, 2026

The London Philharmonic Orchestra is delighted to announce that Karina Canellakis has extended her tenure as Principal Guest Conductor for an additional three years.

As Principal Guest Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, a position generously supported by Richard Buxton, Karina Canellakis has established a partnership defined by what critics describe as an ‘explosive chemistry’. This dynamic relationship, a hallmark of her tenure, sees her return to the LPO podium for the 2026/27 season as one of the world’s pre-eminent conductors. Noted for being an artist who ‘strikes sparks from everything she touches’, Karina brings a unique electricity to the stage that has become vital to the LPO’s identity.

Internationally acclaimed for her emotionally charged performances, technical command and interpretive depth, Karina Canellakis has become one of the most in-demand conductors of her generation. She has been Principal Guest Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra since September 2021. Karina is also Chief Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra.

Karina Canellakis continues to earn widespread acclaim on the podium with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Notable highlights from her recent concert seasons range from a deeply resonant take on Shostakovich’s Eighth Symphony to a highly celebrated reading of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. This exceptional synergy has seamlessly translated onto the international stage during high-profile European tours with the LPO. Their performances at prestigious venues like the Vienna Musikverein and the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie culminated in a nomination for the Tour of the Year at the Opus Klassik Awards, Germany’s highest honour in classical music.

This definitive partnership is captured on the LPO Label’s 2025 double-CD release of Tchaikovsky’s Symphonies Nos. 5 and 6 (Pathétique). The recording has garnered widespread acclaim for its fiery, urgent intensity, showcasing the conductor’s masterful partnership with the LPO.

In the LPO’s upcoming In Search of Purpose season, Karina Canellakis leads three major programmes at the Royal Festival Hall, anchoring the Orchestra’s exploration of resilience and the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death. The American conductor’s 2026/27 projects encompass iconic symphonic journeys – ranging from the defiant triumph of Beethoven’s Fifth and the sweeping scale of Mahler’s First to the architectural grandeur of Brahms’s First Symphony. These performances feature high-profile collaborations with soloists Christian Tetzlaff, Alice Sara Ott and Hilary Hahn, while further championing contemporary voices through the UK premiere of a commission by Dai Fujikura.

David Burke, Chief Executive of the London Philharmonic Orchestra:
‘From the very beginning, Karina has brought a unique energy and warmth to our music-making. She has become a key part of the artistic family of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, building strong connections with our musicians and audiences alike. I am delighted that we have the opportunity to extend this relationship for a further three years and look forward to many inspiring projects in the years ahead.’

Jesús Herrera, Artistic Director of the London Philharmonic Orchestra:
‘We are delighted that our wonderful relationship with Karina will be extended for three more years. Our concerts together, both in London and on tour, are always special occasions, as she brings exceptional musicianship and radiant charisma to the stage. We can’t wait for many more exciting moments of music-making.’ 

Karina Canellakis, Principal Guest Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra:
‘I truly love making music with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and am very happy to extend my time with this extraordinary orchestra as we continue our work together on exciting programmes and tours in the coming seasons. Aside from being phenomenal musicians and wonderful colleagues, this orchestra feels like a family to me, and I greatly value our collaboration.’