Slobodeniouk named for Lahti Symphony Orchestra and Kuusisto for Australian Chamber Orchestra

Lahti Symphony Orchestra has named Dima Slobodeniouk as Chief Conductor. The Russian born Slobodeniouk will start after Okko Kamu finishes his stint as Chief Conductor in the autumn next year. Slobodeniouk’s contract reaches until the spring of 2019. He worked with Lahti Symphony Orchestra in 2001 for the first time, when he filled in for conductor Leif Segerstam, and since that has preserved a long term relationship with the orchestra.

Intendent Teemu Kirjonen states that Lahti Symphony Orchestra has agreed to record with Slobodeniouk in January 2016 for the BIS label, which will be a natural transition for Slobodeniouk and the orchestra.

Finnish violinist and composer Pekka Kuusisto has agreed to work as Artistic Director in the Australian Chamber Orchestra Collective (formerly known as Australian Chamber Orchestra 2). The orchestra was originally formed as a training orchestra for young players, but nowadays it produces its own program, as an alternative to Australian Chamber Orchestra. Kuusisto also works as the artistic Partner in the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra in the US. The Australian Chamber Orchestra Collective position will keep Kuusisto busy around 5–6 weeks a year, Kuusisto stated in Helsingin Sanomat.

Conductor Pietari Inkinen entered his eighth season as Music Director of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra this fall and for 2016–2017 he becomes Japan Philharmonic's Chief Conductor. 

Also Sakari Oramo's contract as Chief Conductor of BBC Symphony Orchestra was extended for another four years, until 2020.