Paavo Järvi

On 3 March 2026, we were delighted to announce Paavo Järvi as the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Chief Conductor & Artistic Advisor from the 2028/29 season.

One of the most respected and sought-after conductors of his generation, Paavo succeeds current Principal Conductor Edward Gardner, assuming the role at the start of the 2028/29 season. With an initial five-year contract, this appointment marks an important new chapter for the Orchestra as it approaches its 2032 centenary.

On 17 February 2027, Paavo will conduct the Orchestra in a Royal Festival Hall concert headlined by Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10. The evening begins with Overture No. 2 by Järvi’s fellow Estonian, Veljo Tormis – a work composed during the height of the Cold War. This is followed by Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 (‘Emperor’), performed by Benjamin Grosvenor.

About Paavo Järvi

Paavo Järvi is renowned for his compelling interpretations of the symphonic repertoire and his advocacy for new music. He brings to the podium a leadership style defined by distinctive musical insight and a deep commitment to orchestral excellence. Equally central to both Paavo and the London Philharmonic Orchestra is a shared dedication to nurturing the next generation, a commitment embodied in the Orchestra’s industry-leading talent development programmes.

Paavo Järvi first conducted the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1998. Most recently, he led the Orchestra on tour in 2023, in London the following year, and on a tour of China in 2025. Following their Royal Festival Hall concert on 4 March 2026, he and the Orchestra repeated the programme in Budapest and Athens – offering audiences an early glimpse of the artistic partnership that will shape the Orchestra’s future.

Read the full LPO announcement, 3 March 2026