Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen has been awarded an honorary knighthood by the UK, for services to music and to UK-Finland relations.

Salonen is his final season as the Philharmonia Orchestra's Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, a post he has held since 2008, though his relationship will continue from the 2021/22 season when he takes on the title of Conductor Emeritus. His 13 years in the post has seen the London-based orchestra embark on pioneering projects in immersive installations and virtual reality, while recordings included Strauss's Four Last Songs with our former Young Artist of the Year Lise Davidsen, and a recording of Bartók Duke Bluebeard’s Castle, plus a film of Holst's The Planets.

'This is a true personal honour, but more than that, it is meaningful to have artists honoured at a national – at a historical – level,' said Salonen. 'It shows an appreciation of art-making as a necessary part of society. A recognition that culture is who we are, not just what we do. I am grateful for my time in London and throughout the UK with the Philharmonia Orchestra. I share this with them.'

Alexander Van Ingen, chief executive of the Philharmonia, said: 'We are hugely pleased that Esa-Pekka’s exceptional work with the Philharmonia Orchestra has been recognised with an Honorary Knighthood. It is a fitting honour for the Philharmonia’s principal conductor and artistic advisor in his second decade with this great Orchestra; the Philharmonia is very proud to continue creating music with Esa-Pekka – congratulations, E-P!'

By Classical Music, with additional reporting from Gramophone