Mikko Franck

Mikko Franck became Music Director of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France in 2015, and throughout his tenure has been deeply committed to nurturing its creative and eclectic style of programming. His initial contract has twice been extended, most recently until September 2025.

Born in Helsinki, Finland, in 1979, Mikko Franck began his conducting career at the early age of seventeen, and has since worked with major orchestras and opera houses across the world.

From 2002 to 2007, he was Music Director of the Belgian National Orchestra, and in 2006 became General Music Director of Finnish National Opera. The following year, he was appointed Artistic Director and General Music Director, a dual position he held until August 2013.

Since taking up his position with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Mikko Franck has led them on tours of Europe and Asia. His considerable discography, consisting of both symphonic and operatic works, includes several recordings with the Orchestra, most recently Franck by Franck, with César Franck’s Symphony in D minor and his rarely performed symphonic poem, Ce qu’on entend sur la montagne; Strauss, featuring Burleske, Serenade and Tod und Verklärung; a selection of works by Claude Debussy: La Damoiselle élue, Le Martyre de saint Sébastien and Nocturnes; Stravinsky, with The Rite of Spring, Capriccio and Octet; Debussy’s Mélodies, coupled with La Mer; Shostakovich Symphony No.14, which also includes Five Fragments; and Richard Strauss’ Vier letzte Lieder.

In addition to fulfilling a busy concert schedule in Paris, Mikko Franck works regularly with major orchestras and opera houses within Europe and beyond.

He was nominated Goodwill Ambassador for Unicef France in February 2018, and in this capacity has made two field visits to Benin and one to Senegal. Upon his nomination he stated: ‘Every child is unique; every life is important. Every child, regardless of their origin, should have the right to live in a safe and healthy environment, to follow their dreams, and to realise their full potential.’

In December 2023, the President of the Republic of Finland awarded to Mikko Franck the Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland.