af Casper Kalmar

A new era has begun for The Danish Philharmonic Orchestra, one of great ambition and a fresh musical outlook. Standing on the conductor's podium is now Christian Øland, a Danish conductor with Nordic roots, international experience, and, above all, a deep love for classical music.

He already knows the orchestra well. He has conducted it on several occasions, leading everything from grand symphonies to enchanting family concerts. And now, he will lead it, not just for a concert or two, but on an entire journey.

"After a whole season without a chief conductor, we are incredibly proud to finally present Christian Øland as our new chief conductor," says Artistic Director & CEO Adam Stadnicki. "In our opinion, he is the most promising young Danish conductor, and despite his young career, he has already conducted The Royal Danish Orchestra, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. In the upcoming season, he will also conduct both the Oslo Philharmonic and the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. Supporting Danish talent is important to us, but it is equally crucial to have a chief conductor who can engage with the local audience through outreach, cross-over projects, and productions for children and young people.”

Christian Øland's musical roots run deep in the Nordic tradition. At just 18 years old, he was accepted into the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, one of the world's leading conducting schools. After just one year, he was appointed assistant conductor of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, where he worked closely with renowned figures such as Esa-Pekka Salonen and Herbert Blomstedt.

"My time in Helsinki meant a lot. Finland has a very strong musical tradition. Both newly composed music and the classical repertoire are highly prioritized. That balance is something I have carried with me," he explains.

He is a trained bassoonist and pianist and has even played in the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra himself, giving him a unique understanding of working with a symphony orchestra.

"It makes a big difference to have sat there yourself. It creates a different level of understanding and facilitates easier communication with the musicians, not just from me to them, but certainly also the other way around."

For Christian Øland, the concert hall is a unique space. "It is a deeply personal experience. An intimate, introspective moment, yet one that unfolds as a shared experience. You don’t get that anywhere else."

He believes that classical music has great potential to reach a wider audience, not by simplifying it, but by communicating it effectively.

"It is important to create versatile programs, and that does not necessarily mean everything has to be familiar. We have an incredibly vast and fantastic repertoire, with something for everyone. You can challenge your audience as long as what is performed maintains a high artistic quality."

In his first season as chief conductor, Christian Øland will lead a repertoire that reflects both his Nordic roots and his vision for the modern concert experience.

Artistic Director & CEO Adam Stadnicki is excited about the repertoire Øland will conduct.

"This season's repertoire is designed to allow Christian to immerse himself in the Nordic masterworks. His strong foundation in the Scandinavian musical tradition and his experience with this particular sound world make him the perfect conductor for us. I look forward to a season where he can truly make his mark on the orchestra."