Osmo Vänskä appointed as Honorary Conductor
The Finnish conductor, Osmo Vänskä, has been appointed as the Honorary Conductor of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, it was announced today at Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík. This is a significant honor for the Iceland Symphony; Vänskä is at the height of his powers and has received great international acclaim for his work. Vänskä has conducted most of the world's leading orchestras and is currently Music Director of the Minnesota Orchestra.
I am really happy to continue my involvement with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and to be connected to this wonderful country
Said Osmo Vänskä.
Vänskä is a familiar figure to Icelandic concertgoers as the orchestra's Principal Guest Conductor since 2014 and the Chief Conductor of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra from 1993 to 1996. He recently conducted his 58th concert with the orchestra. Vänskä has recorded two award-winning CDs with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, both featuring music by Icelandic composer Jón Leifs. His work with the orchestra has been widely praised both locally and internationally.
Executive Director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra Arna Kristín Einarsdóttir said:
It is a true honor for the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and a recognition of the work we do that Osmo Vänskä has accepted the title as our Honorary Conductor. As the orchestra´s Chief Conductor in 1993-1996 Osmo showed the orchestra its true potential and raised the artistic bar. He is, without a doubt, one of the most important conductors this orchestra works with. We certainly look forward to making music with Osmo in the future.