Philharmonia Orchestra appoints Manfred Honeck as next Principal Conductor

The Philharmonia Orchestra has announced the appointment of Manfred Honeck as its next Principal Conductor, beginning in September 2028.

One of the world’s most sought-after conductors, Honeck is renowned for interpretations that combine a deep understanding of musical tradition with freshness, freedom and exceptional attention to orchestral sound.

Born in Austria and trained in Vienna, Honeck began his musical life as a violist in the Vienna Philharmonic and Vienna State Opera Orchestra. That experience continues to shape his approach to the great central European repertoire. He is now entering his nineteenth season as Music Director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, a partnership that has earned international acclaim through major performances, tours and recordings, including a Grammy Award.

Honeck has already developed a strong musical rapport with the Philharmonia and its musicians, reflecting a shared affinity for the Orchestra’s distinctive sound, its European musical heritage and the Austro-German repertoire at the heart of its history. His appointment follows an extensive international search and reflects both the strength of his artistic vision and the special musical connection that has developed through their performances together.

From 2028, the Philharmonia will become the European anchor for Honeck’s music-making, building a partnership that reaches audiences in London, across the UK and around the world.

Manfred Honeck says:

“Since its inception as one of the world’s great orchestras, the Philharmonia has built a distinguished history of innovation and interpretation of the composers close to my heart. It is an honour for me to contribute to shaping the Philharmonia’s unique sound identity and to share it with audiences globally at major international venues, as well as in local communities.

“London is a capital of classical music and a melting pot of cultures. I look forward to playing my part in enticing audiences to experience the full spectrum of traditional and innovative orchestral music we can offer.”

Honeck will become only the seventh Principal Conductor in the Philharmonia’s 80-year history, joining an extraordinary lineage of conductors who have shaped the Orchestra’s distinctive sound across generations, including Otto Klemperer, Riccardo Muti, Giuseppe Sinopoli, Christoph von Dohnányi, Esa-Pekka Salonen and Santtu-Matias Rouvali.

Santtu-Matias Rouvali will remain Principal Conductor until the conclusion of his tenure in summer 2028, marking ten years of partnership with the Orchestra. His achievements include the launch of Philharmonia Records, performances at the Concertgebouw and Musikverein, and the Orchestra’s 80th anniversary tour of the United States, culminating at Carnegie Hall. His close relationship with the Philharmonia will continue beyond the conclusion of his tenure.

Thorben Dittes, Chief Executive of the Orchestra, says:

“Manfred Honeck is an extraordinary musician with a truly global career. His appointment marks a new chapter for the Philharmonia, building on the Orchestra’s strong European musical tradition and its deep affinity with the Austro-German repertoire.

We look forward to becoming the European anchor for Manfred Honeck’s music-making, while building on the innovation and forward momentum created with Esa-Pekka and Santtu.

There is already a very special musical connection between Honeck and our players, and we are very excited to see what they will create together and to share it with our audiences.

At the same time, we have two more important seasons ahead with Santtu, building on the remarkable music-making and close relationship we have shared over his tenure so far.”

Honeck returns to the Royal Festival Hall on Thursday 12 November, joined by his longstanding musical collaborator Emanuel Ax for Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25, alongside music by Strauss.

It’s the next opportunity to experience the musical partnership between Honeck and the Philharmonia – and a glimpse of the next chapter in the Orchestra’s history.