Karina Canellakis
Karina Canellakis Extends Tenure with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra through August 2031
The Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and its chief conductor, Karina Canellakis, are delighted to announce the continuation of their successful collaboration. Canellakis, who has held the position since September 2019, will remain with the orchestra, reaffirming the strength of their artistic partnership.
Under her baton, the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra has delivered a series of remarkable performances at the AVROTROS Vrijdagconcert and the NTR ZaterdagMatinee. Highlights include the Dutch premiere of Jörg Widmann’s Arche, a full cycle of Leoš Janáček’s operas, In Unison by Joey Roukens with pianists Lucas and Arthur Jussen, and numerous Dutch and world premieres.
The news of Canellakis’ contract extension coincides with the release of Bartók: Duke Bluebeard’s Castle, the orchestra’s latest album. The recording showcases the deep musical connection between conductor and orchestra, reaffirming their shared mastery of modern and expressionist repertoire. Their previous album—Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra and Four Orchestral Pieces —earned a GRAMMY nomination in 2024.
Since her appointment, Canellakis has distinguished herself with her energetic, expressive, and precise conducting style. Her artistic vision aligns seamlessly with the versatility and adaptability that define the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, especially in its collaborations with the Netherlands Radio Choir. With a passion for new music, grand symphonic works, and vocal repertoire, she continues to captivate audiences both in the Netherlands and internationally.
The Dutch press has been unanimous in its praise. Trouw hailed her performances as “an unparalleled five-star experience,” while de Volkskrant lauded her “subtle balance between power and finesse.” NRC described her interpretation of Mahler’s First Symphony with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra as “thrilling in its crescendos and compelling in its timing, resulting in an overwhelming musical experience.”
Canellakis herself is thrilled to continue her work with the orchestra: “I am incredibly proud of how beautifully this orchestra plays and excited about the way we continue to deepen our musical journey with passion and dedication. There are some thrilling projects on the horizon, and I look forward to the next chapter of this wonderful collaboration.”
Simone Meijer, director of the Stichting Omroep Muziek, echoed this enthusiasm: “We are delighted to continue this successful partnership. Canellakis is a conductor who embraces artistic adventure, making her a perfect match for our ambition—to bring world-class live music to everyone.”