The Finnish conductor will begin his collaboration in September 2025, conducting at least two subscription concerts per season for an initial five-year term. Oramo, who made his debut with the Gürzenich Orchestra in March 2023, will return to Cologne early in the new year to conduct three programs this season. Additionally, he will lead the Gürzenich Orchestra on its Japan tour in February, which includes concerts at the Suntory Hall and Opera City in Tokyo. “I am looking forward to working with these wonderful musicians,” says Sakari Oramo. “We had such a strong connection when we met for the first time last year. I was especially touched by how intense, committed, and full of energy their playing is. The orchestra has a great tradition, dating back to the times of Brahms, Mahler, and Richard Strauss, and also has an illustrious portfolio in contemporary music. The work as an opera orchestra is also a huge advantage. And of course, they perform in the wonderful Cologne Philharmonie, one of the best concert halls in Europe.”
Andrés Orozco-Estrada, the designated Chief Conductor of the Gürzenich Orchestra, warmly welcomes Sakari Oramo. "I am delighted that we have been able to bring in an outstanding artist like Sakari Oramo, who will provide additional inspiration to the Gürzenich Orchestra. The long-term collaboration with two projects each season will broaden the orchestra's musical and programming horizon and will be a wonderful complement to my work in Cologne."
Stefan Englert, Managing Director of the Gürzenich Orchestra, welcomes Sakari Oramo in his new position and looks forward to the opportunity to enrich the ensemble’s repertoire. “We are very excited about this new collaboration,” he emphasizes. “Sakari is one of the best and most respected conductors of our time. Like Sakari, we have always been advocates of contemporary music while being deeply rooted in the great symphonic tradition. The Gürzenich Orchestra loves to ‘play’ and take risks in the moment of performance. When Sakari was with us for the first time, we felt that he shares these values. We look forward to this new phase of close collaboration and are thrilled that he will be with us in Cologne and on tour before his official start as Artistic Partner.”
The board of the Gürzenich Orchestra adds:
“The musicians of the Gürzenich Orchestra are overjoyed by this future partnership with Sakari Oramo. Our orchestra has long hoped to collaborate more closely with Sakari Oramo alongside our new GMD AOE, and we are looking forward to the opportunity to do so regularly in the future. It is rare that the chemistry between orchestra and conductor is perfect from the start. With Sakari Oramo, that was the case from the very beginning. We are excited to present extraordinary concerts with him and our orchestra and to create unique musical experiences for our audience.”
Here is the translation of the provided program for Sakari Oramo's 2024/2025 season:
Programs by Sakari Oramo for the 2024/2025 Season
Ins Weite
Saturday, 11.01.25, 8:00 PM
Sunday, 12.01.25, 11:00 AM
Cologne Philharmonie
Jean Sibelius
En saga Op. 9
Tone poem for orchestra, 1892
Kaija Saariaho
Saarikoski Songs (Saarikoski-laulut), 2020
Antonín Dvořák
Symphony No. 8 in G Major Op. 88 "The English", 1889
Anu Komsi, Soprano
Sakari Oramo, Conductor
Ein & Alles
Sunday, 02.02.25, 11:00 AM
Monday, 03.02.25, 8:00 PM
Tuesday, 04.02.25, 8:00 PM
Cologne Philharmonie
Robert Schumann
Piano Concerto in A Minor Op. 54, 1845
Gustav Mahler
Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp Minor, 1901–1904
Mao Fujita, Piano
Sakari Oramo, Conductor
Magisch
Saturday, 08.03.25, 8:00 PM
Sunday, 09.03.25, 11:00 AM
Cologne Philharmonie
Maurice Ravel
Valses nobles et sentimentales, 1911/12
Anders Hillborg
Piano Concerto No. 2 "The MAX Concerto", 2022–23
Hector Berlioz
Symphonie fantastique* Op. 14, 1830
Emanuel Ax, Piano
Sakari Oramo, Conductor
Japan Tour
February 9-16, 2025, with 7 concerts.
