The Welfare and Recreation Committee approved the contract for an extension on 22 March 2023. 

At its meeting on 22 March 2023, the City of Lahti’s Welfare and Recreation Committee decided to extend Dalia Stasevska’s contract by one year. The extension starts on 1 August 2024 and ends on 31 July 2025. In addition to being artistic director of the Sibelius Festival, Stasevska will conduct five weeks of season concerts. 

Stasevska has been principal conductor of the Lahti Symphony Orchestra and artistic director of the Sibelius Festival since the autumn of 2021. Her repertoire and artist choices have attracted considerable interest.  

Maija Kylkilahti, acting general manager of the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, is delighted that the cooperation will continue. ‘Dalia Stasevska is one of Finland’s most sought-after conductors internationally, and despite the high demand we have been able to secure a one-year extension from her. Her visits to Lahti have brought wonderful experiences both to the audience and to the orchestra.’ 

‘I am delighted to continue as the Lahti Symphony Orchestra’s principal conductor. I have developed a close relationship with the orchestra and the city. I am sincerely grateful for the support and assistance given to Ukraine in particular. I admire the open-mindedness of the orchestra and the audience, and their willingness to come with me in new directions, and now that we are well under way, I am looking forward to our next two seasons together’, says Dalia Stasevska.  

‘The Lahti Symphony Orchestra’s high artistic profile as one of Lahti’s major attractions has been excellently maintained under Stasevska’s baton, and it is excellent that this cooperation will now continue’, says Tiina Granqvist, the City of Lahti’s director of education.