The exceptional musical legacy of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra continues with the appointment of Klaus Mäkelä as the Orchestra’s 11th music director.
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 a new chapter of the CSO’s 136-year history with Klaus Mäkelä as Zell Music Director Designate.
Mäkelä returns to Chicago for five weeks and leads his first European tour with the CSO tour in the 2026/27 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.
