Nil Venditti has been appointed chief conductor of the Lahti Symphony Orchestra in Finland, taking up the position at the beginning of the 2027–28 season.
Italian-Turkish conductor Venditti has worked with orchestras across Europe and internationally, and is currently Principal Guest Conductor of the Royal Northern Sinfonia in Gateshead, UK.
She has recently attracted critical acclaim, earning five stars from Bachtrack reviewer David Truslove for her “revelatory performance” of Rossini’s Stabat Mater with the BBC Symphony Chorus and Epiphoni Consort at this yearʼs BBC Proms. She was also among our editor Mark Pullingerʼs ten young artists to watch in the 2026–27 season.
Vendittiʼs recent appearances with the Lahti Symphony Orchestra made a strong impression on musicians and audiences alike. The orchestra highlighted Venditti’s collaborative approach as a key factor in her appointment. “As well as appreciating her considerable expertise, the orchestra particularly values Venditti’s open and collaborative approach to working with the musicians,” says Vesa Lehtinen, Chairman of the orchestraʼs board.
Maija Kylkilahti, General Manager of the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, describes Venditti as “one of the most interesting and sought-after conductors of our time”, adding that her work combines “exceptional energy, profound musicality and the ability to inspire the orchestra”. The appointment, she says, creates opportunities for new artistic collaborations and supports the orchestra’s long-term artistic development.
For Venditti, the appointment represents a return to an orchestra with which she has already established a strong connection. “I keep thinking about the very first notes we shared together – that mix of curiosity, joy, warmth, trust and stubborn pride that defines the sound of this orchestra,” she says.
“To become the new Chief Conductor of Lahti Symphony Orchestra means finding a home among these people, in their music and in the traditions they carry forward – and I’m incredibly grateful and honoured for that.”
Venditti's initial contract, which includes a minimum of six performing weeks each year, runs for three years, with an option for a further two years.
