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Klaus Mäkelä: Rising Star Sparks Debate in Classical Music

3/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Klaus Mäkelä, a 30-year-old conductor, will begin posts with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2027.
He is chief conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic and music director of the Orchestre de Paris.
Critics debate his artistry, praising his skill while questioning his youth and workload.
The discussion remains ongoing, with no consensus likely soon, as his career draws attention.

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Story summary

Klaus Mäkelä, a 30-year-old conductor, will begin posts with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2027.
He is chief conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic and music director of the Orchestre de Paris.
Critics debate his artistry, praising his skill while questioning his youth and workload.
The discussion remains ongoing, with no consensus likely soon, as his career draws attention.