Dalia Stasevska extends BBC Symphony Orchestra contract

The BBC Symphony Orchestra has today confirmed that principal guest conductor Dalia Stasevska has extended her contract with the Orchestra until September 2027. The Ukrainian-born Finnish conductor was first appointed to the role in 2019 as the first woman and youngest person ever to take the role.

Stasevska’s contract extension builds on a successful tenure during which she has conducted tours in Japan, Germany and the UK, as well conducting the First Night of the Proms in 2023. In 2024, Stasevska’s debut solo album, Dalia’s Mixtape, was released on Platoon, featuring the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

In a statement released today the BBC said: ‘The extension further solidifies the celebrated partnership between Stasevska and the BBC SO’s musicians, and comes in recognition of her exceptional contribution, both in performances and in her support of the artistic direction of programming.’

Stasevska balances her role with the BBC Symphony Orchestra will her roles as chief conductor of Finland’s Lahti Symphony Orchestra and artistic director with the International Sibelius Festival. Stasevska was bestowed the Order of Princess Olga of the III degree by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in October 2021 for her ‘significant personal contribution to the development of international cooperation, strengthening the prestige of Ukraine internationally and popularisation of its historical and cultural heritage’. Since February 2022, she has been supporting Ukraine by raising donations to buy supplies and, on a number of occasions, delivering them herself.