Mikko Franck was born in Helsinki, Finland. He began his conducting career at the early age of 17, and has since worked with major orchestras and opera houses across the world.
From 2002 to 2007, he was music director of the Belgian National Orchestra. In 2006, he took up the post of general music director of Finnish National Opera, and the following year was appointed its artistic director and general music director, a dual position he held until August 2013.
In September 2015, Franck became music director of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. During his 10 years at the head of the orchestra, he was deeply committed to nurturing its creative and eclectic style of programming and also led several tours of Europe and Asia.
His considerable discography consists of both symphonic and operatic repertoire. The most recent recordings are with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, and include works by César Franck, Richard Strauss, Claude Debussy, Igor Stravinsky,and Dmitri Shostakovich.
In 2018, Franck was nominated as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF France, and in this capacity, has made two field visits to Benin and one to Senegal. Of his UNICEF work, he has stated: “Every child is unique; every life is important. Every child, regardless of their origin, should have the right to live in a safe and healthy environment, to follow their dreams and to realize their full potential.”
The Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland was awarded to him in December 2023, by the president of the Republic of Finland.
July 2025
Please note: Biographies are based on information provided to the CSO by the artists or their representatives. More current information may be available on websites of the artists or their management.
