Norwegian Radio Orchestra Names New Principal Conductor

The South Korean conductor Holly Hyun Choe will join the orchestra from 2026

Following a long search for a new chief conductor, the Norwegian Radio Orchestra (KORK) has now welcomed Holly Hyun Choe to the position. She will succeed conductor Petr Popelka, who left the role in 2023. 

Though she will begin her tenure as of January 2026 for an initial three years, Choe will return to conduct the orchestra in a performance as early as October 2025. 

Choe first led KORK in a live and broadcast concert in November 2024 performing the Norwegian premiere of Ørjan Matre’s trombone concerto and works by Kaija Saariaho and Tchaikovsky.

“We noticed from the first rehearsal that the chemistry was right,” said KORK’s CEO Rolf Lennart Stensø. “She made a strong artistic impression through both a Norwegian premiere and classical core repertoire … We are extremely excited to start the collaboration, and to present her and our joint results to audiences throughout Norway.”

Born in South Korea and raised in LA, Choe studied in the U.S. and Switzerland and has since led orchestras including the Orchestre de Paris and the Tonhalle Zürich, among others. In May 2025, she will be making her debut with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. 

“Holly doesn't miss anything that happens in the orchestra and she often tells it with just her eyes, which gives the musicians a lot of personal responsibility,” said KORK’s solo horn player Dette Alpheis. “Nevertheless, she works extremely musically and effectively with the entire ensemble and is simply chill while she does it. It creates a great atmosphere that I’m really looking forward to in the coming years.”

“This new appointment comes as a fortunate stroke of serendipity,” Choe said. “From the musicians, I appreciate so much their passion and enthusiasm for music, across the genres; their incredible technical abilities matched with a true hunger and determination for making music together and connecting with the community is what makes it such an honour for me to work with the Kork. 

“The management team also impressed me in their meticulous balancing of professionalism, flexibility, fun, empathy, and openness,” she added. “I have a strong feeling that our collective creativity will produce meaningful and memorable projects to share with our audience. And lastly, the beautiful city of Oslo and its vibrant cultural scene excites me to discover more and develop further our mission in serving the community.”