Anna-Maria Helsing has been appointed Chief Conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra, the superbly versatile ensemble whose work ranges from core classical to exploring diverse genres.  

Helsing’s role, which starts on October 1 and runs until 2026, follows her appointment as Principal Guest Conductor in 2020. She can next be heard conducting the group this evening (June 19) at Alexandra Palace, for This Classical Life: Live! with Jess Gillam, while at this year’s BBC Proms Helsing will conduct the ensemble in a performance of symphonic soundtracks from film, TV and gaming, taking place on August 28.

The Swedish-Finnish conductor’s predecessors include Bramwell Tovey, who died last year, and Barry Wordsworth, who continues working with the orchestra as Conductor Laureate, while her most recent concert had featured music by Philip Glass, Arvo Pärt and Rautavaara.

‘I am thrilled and very excited to deepen my collaboration with the BBC Concert Orchestra as their new Chief Conductor,’ said Helsing. ‘During our years together we have established a warm connection, which on my part makes working with this orchestra a true pleasure. In the years to come I would love to further expand the symphonic repertoire of the orchestra as well as presenting it to audiences outside of London. I have the greatest respect for this fine group of musicians and I look forward to us making a lot of fantastic music in the future.’