New Zealand Symphony Orchestra’s music director, Pietari Inkinen (pictured), is to take up the chief conductor role with Prague Symphony Orchestra from September 2015.
Inkinen, 34, is currently in his eighth season as music director of NZSO, having joined in 2008.
It’s been a gilded 12 months for the young Finnish conductor, who earlier this year won a Helpmann Award for best music direction for Opera Australia’s Ring Cycle.
He is also in his fifth season as principal guest conductor of Japan Philharmonic.
Succeeding outgoing maestro Jiři Kout, Inkinen’s initial contract with PSO will last for three years and see him conduct a minimum of six subscription weeks, plus special events in Prague each season.
He will also lead the orchestra, currently celebrating its 80th anniversary, on extensive international tours, including to the UK in 2015 and Japan in 2016.