The BBC Concert Orchestra has named Finnish conductor Anna-Maria Helsing as its new Principal Guest Conductor. 

In taking a post with the orchestra – admired for its versatility (and indeed virtuosity) across a wide breath of repertoire - the Finnish conductor will join the conducting team of Principal Conductor Bramwell Tovey, Conductor Laureate Barry Wordsworth and Chief Guest Conductor Keith Lockhart. According to the orchestra, Helsing will be involved in further building its relationship with contemporary composers, including the current Composer-in-Residence, Dobrinka Tabakova, as well developing family concerts at the Southbank.

Helsing’s past posts include Chief Conductor of the Oulu Symphony (2010-2013) – the first time a woman had been head of a Finnish symphony orchestra. 

‘I am both delighted and thrilled at the prospect of further developing my collaboration with the BBC Concert Orchestra as their new principal guest conductor,’ said Helsing. ‘The orchestra, with so many high calibre musicians, offers exciting artistic opportunities and I can hardly wait to explore what we can achieve together.’ 

Helsing’s next concert with the orchestra is BBC Radio 3’s ‘Afternoon Concert’ on December 13, live from Maida Vale. The initial contract is for three years.