Commenting on his new role, Oramo said, "I have had a long rapport as a guest conductor with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, and believe that our relationship is built on very strong musical foundations. The combination of this new role and my new title at the CBSO, together with my position at Finland's greatest orchestra, will enable me to nurture even stronger Scandinavian orchestral identities."

Oramo's contract with the RSPO is for three years, with the understanding that it will be extended. He replaces American conductor Alan Gilbert, who has led the orchestra since the 1999-2000 season and plans to step down at the end of 2007-08 season.

Oramo graduated from the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where he studied with Jorma Panula. He has frequently conducted major orchestras including the Berlin and New York Philharmonics, as well as Amsterdam's Concertgebouw and the Orchestre de Paris.