Nathanaël Iselin has been appointed Artistic Partner of the Kymi Sinfonietta from autumn 2026. His two-year contract (with an optional extension) includes conducting four to five concerts per year.
Managing Director Inka Puhakka comments:
“Orchestras often invite interesting conductors to lead them, and based on these experiences, a suitable candidate may be invited into an artistic partnership. In the case of Kymi Sinfonietta, we tested a few excellent conductors and gathered feedback from the musicians after the concerts they conducted. Nathanaël Iselin was found to be pleasant, an outstanding musician, efficient, encouraging of chamber-music-style playing, and a bright, energetic personality. We are therefore truly delighted to begin an Artistic Partner period with Nathanaël Iselin, and to continue our collaboration with Jukka Perko (…)”
READ KYMI SINFONIETTA’S FULL OFFICIAL STATEMENT HERE
Reflecting on the appointment, Nathanaël says:
“I first conducted the Kymi Sinfonietta in 2023, leading a wonderful program of Mozart, Wagner, and Schumann with prize-winning pianist Piotr Pawlak. From the very first rehearsal, I felt an immediate and genuine connection with the musicians. The atmosphere on stage was warm and collaborative, and it was clear that everyone shared a deep passion for music and a commitment to performing at the highest level. I believe the audience sensed this enthusiasm as well, and the two concerts we gave together were a true joy.
It was therefore a great pleasure to return in 2025 for another concert, this time alongside the brilliant violinist Elina Vähälä, beloved by the Kymi audience. The experience reinforced my appreciation for the orchestra and its musicians, and I could not have been more thrilled when I was subsequently offered the role of Artistic Partner.”
