Holly Choe '17 MM Appointed Principal Conductor of the Norwegian Radio Orchestra

The Norwegian Radio Orchestra has announced the appointment of Korean-American conductor Holly Choe ‘17 MM as its new Principal Conductor and Musical Advisor, starting in 2026. Choe will succeed Petr Popelka and serve an initial three-year term, with their first performance scheduled for October 2025.

Born in South Korea and raised in Los Angeles, Holly has built a remarkable career in classical music. After completing her studies at the New England Conservatory and Zurich University of the Arts, she has become known for her dynamic conducting style, her commitment to fostering musical innovation, and her work to promote female composers. She is currently in her third season as Principal Conductor of the Ensemble Reflektor and is also an Artiste Associée with the Orchestre de Chambre de Genève.

Holly, who has served as a Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has conducted numerous prestigious orchestras, including the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, Orchestre de Paris, and Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin. She regularly programs works by composers like Ethel Smyth, Lili Boulanger, and Jennifer Higdon, and her 2024-25 season includes significant debuts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Norwegian Radio Orchestra.

Holly’s first concert with Kork will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the orchestra, blending classical traditions with innovative new works and a strong commitment to music without borders.

Congratulations to Holly Choe on her new appointment and her ongoing musical journey!