Tarmo Peltokoski arrived in Riga in January this year to perform with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO) in a program of Sibelius, Rachmaninoff, and Wagner.
In LNSO’s previous seasons, several of the world’s brightest conductors have been invited to perform with them in search of their next director. Peltokoski quickly became a favorite with the ensemble and was appointed to the role four months later.
“Already on the second day of rehearsals it was clear that he was the one we were looking for! He captivated the musicians with his compelling musical ideas and delighted them with his intelligent respect for the music and those performing it — working together was a real treat,” said LNSO director Indra Lukina in a press release. “We are looking forward to a vibrant and eventful journey into the world of music!”
Peltokoski began his conducting studies at age 14 with Finnish conductor Jorma Panula and continued work with Hannu Lintu, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, and now with Sakari Oramo at the Sibelius Academy.
He is also studying piano at the Sibelius Academy with Antti Hotti. His other mentors include Matti Raekallio, Antti Siirala, Henri Sigfridsson, and Konstantin Bogino.
In 2017, Peltokoski reached international recognition by debuting in Germany with the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, where he is currently the chief guest conductor. He is the first to hold this position in the orchestra's 42-year history.
In the 2021-22 season, he made debuts with Komische Oper Berlin, Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra and Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. Upcoming debuts include those with Beethovenfest Bonn, Cologne Philharmonie, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Musikverein and Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Konzerthaus Orchester Berlin, among several others.
“It is a great honor to be chosen as the LNSO’s artistic director and principal conductor,” Peltokoski said. “The LNSO is an outstanding orchestra. I have many ideas and I am particularly excited about the opportunity to create the orchestra’s artistic face with my programs. I look forward to an exciting future together!”
