An inspiring new chapter awaits.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Klaus Mäkelä

Zell Music Director Designate

Hear him speak about this new artistic partnership

Klaus Mäkelä

The exceptional musical legacy of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra continues with the appointment of Klaus Mäkelä as the Orchestra’s 11th music director.

Klaus Mäkelä backstage at Symphony Center

From their very first moments on stage together, there was a connection. The electricity generated between Mäkelä and the CSO captivated audience members in Orchestra Hall. Mäkelä’s deep respect for the score and spirit of collaboration with his fellow musicians spark dynamic performances full of exuberance and joy in music-making.

Celebrate the start of a new chapter of the CSO’s 135-year history with Klaus Mäkelä as Zell Music Director Designate.

Mäkelä returns to Chicago for four weeks and leads his first CSO tour in the 2025/26 Season.

In his role as Zell Music Director, beginning in September 2027, Mäkelä will conduct the Orchestra a minimum of 14 weeks per season — 10 weeks of concerts in Chicago plus four weeks on tour.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

2025/26 Season


Mäkelä Conducts Symphonie fantastique (Oct. 16-18, 2025)
Klaus Mäkelä & Yunchan Lim (Dec. 18-20, 2025)
Mäkelä Conducts Ein Heldenleben (Feb. 19-21, 2026)
Mäkelä Conducts The Rite of Spring (Mar. 5-6, 2026)

Mäkelä Makes First Tour with the CSO in 2026
Ann Arbor (Feb. 23, 2026)
New York (Feb. 25, 2026)
Washington, D.C. (Feb. 27, 2026)
Boston (Mar. 1, 2026)

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Mäkelä is a rivetingly, energetic presence.

The New York Times

Mäkelä did more than meet the occasion: He sailed over it ... Mäkelä and the CSO astonished again and again with their sheer clarity.

Chicago Tribune

A sure bet to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra into yet another golden age.

Classical Voice North America

The CSO’s music director position is endowed in perpetuity by a generous gift from the Zell Family Foundation.

Klaus Mäkelä records exclusively for Decca Classics.

Photography by Todd Rosenberg and Franziska Strauss

Read the music director announcement press release »