The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra has appointed a new chief conductor – Hannu Lintu.

Lintu, currently artistic director and chief conductor of the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, will take up the role from the 2013/14 season, though will serve as principal guest conductor for the season beforehand. The contract is for three years, with an optional two-year extension.

He succeeds current incumbent Sakari Oramo, whose contract comes to an end in spring 2012 but who will continue a conducting relationship with the orchestra. 

“Though the FRSO will be sharpening its profile even further on the international circuit, its core mission is to carry out the Finnish Broadcasting Company’s role of safeguarding Finnish culture,” said Lintu. “It is the FRSO’s job to be innovative and to keep its finger on the pulse of the times.”

Lintu can be heard conducting the orchestra’s final concert of the autumn season at Finlandia Hall tomorrow (December 15).