Salonen: ‘So Many Possibilities’ : Finnish Conductor Gets 3-Year Contract

It’s official. In a press conference at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Monday morning, the Los Angeles Philharmonic presented Esa-Pekka Salonen as the new music director-elect of the orchestra.

Michael Connell, president of the Philharmonic board, introduced the 31-year-old Finnish conductor in a conference room packed with media representatives. With Connell were trombonist Jeffrey Reynolds--who spoke briefly--and flutist Roland Moritz, who represented the Philharmonic musicians on the search committee, and Ernest Fleischmann, Philharmonic executive vice president.

“I’m really very greatly honored, and very excited about this project,” Salonen said. “The artistic potential is enormous.”

Salonen’s term begins with the 1992-93 season. His three-year contract calls for him to be in residence 16 weeks a year, two of those at Hollywood Bowl. No financial details were released.

For the 1987-88 season, former music director Andre Previn was paid $581,550, an $80,000 raise over the previous season. Previn was named to the post in April, 1984, after the resignation of Carlo Maria Giulini. He took over the podium in January, 1986, and his initial contract, calling for at least 14 weeks of residence with the orchestra per season, ran through the end of this season.

Last year, Previn signed a contract extension which would have continued his directorship through the 1990-91 season. Renewal of that contract, due by June, was considered unlikely according to members of the Philharmonic board of directors. That, Fleischmann suggested, prompted the timing of Previn’s resignation in April.

Salonen will be sharing musical influence over the orchestra with Previn before his accession to the podium in 1992. When Previn resigned, he announced that he would continue with the orchestra as a guest conductor. He will return for seven weeks in the 1989-90 season, and six weeks each in 1990-91 and 1991-92.

With an already full calendar, Salonen will be here for only one week in the coming season. Fleischmann said that Salonen will conduct at least four weeks of concerts in the 1990-91 season, and “at least as much” the following year. He also said plans were being made for a major tour that Salonen would lead.

In his introduction, Connell said that Salonen wanted to avoid such a public meeting if possible, reminding everyone that English is not Salonen’s native tongue. Salonen spoke clearly, earnestly and somewhat nervously, deferring answers to questions about his impact on Philharmonic repertory and outreach until he has a chance to study what has been done in the past.

When asked what led him to accept the Philharmonic post, Salonen said “the most important thing is the quality of the orchestra.” He will be in charge of all artistic matters, including programming, personnel, guest artists, and touring. He will also have input in the planning of Disney Hall, and met with architect Frank Gehry Sunday.

Salonen did say that he is definitely interested in conducting opera here. He also continues to compose, when he can find the time.

“At the moment,” he said, “I am working on a piece for the London Sinfonietta--which was supposed to have been played three years ago!”