A new portrait documentary by ARTE profiles Finnish conductor Klaus Mäkelä, the music director of the Orchestre de Paris.
The film highlights Mäkelä's artistic vision and rapid ascent within the global orchestral landscape. As one of the youngest directors to lead a major European ensemble, his career trajectory reflects a shift in how classical institutions identify and elevate new talent.
Born in Helsinki in 1996 [1], Mäkelä has become a central figure in the Parisian musical scene. The ARTE production focuses on his training, his career milestones, and his personal passion for the craft. In the documentary, Mäkelä said, "Je n’étais pas un enfant prodige... J’adorais jouer mais j’aimais la musique davantage encore" [1].
His leadership of the Orchestre de Paris is marked by a commitment to complex compositions. This focus will be evident as he opens the 2026‑2027 season with Mahler’s Third Symphony [3]. Mäkelä said he prefers such demanding works over less ambitious compositions, noting that one eventually becomes bored with mediocre works, whereas Mahler offers a different experience [2].
The documentary serves as a window into the disciplined environment of high-level conducting. It captures the intersection of his Finnish roots and his current role in France, a transition that has seen him move from a student of the craft to a director of one of the world's most prestigious orchestras.
The video portrait remains available for viewing until July 2, 2026 [1].
“"Je n’étais pas un enfant prodige... J’adorais jouer mais j’aimais la musique davantage encore."”
The spotlight on Mäkelä underscores a broader trend in classical music where exceptionally young conductors are being granted leadership roles at premier institutions. By focusing on his training and specific affinity for Mahler, the documentary frames Mäkelä not just as a technician, but as an intellectual leader attempting to maintain the relevance of symphonic music for modern audiences.
