Tarmo Peltokoski was hired Thursday to succeed Jaap van Zweden as music director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic.

Peltokoski, at 24 far younger than most music directors, will start a five-year term in the 2026-27 season after serving as music director designate in 2025-26, the philharmonic said.

“I was just extremely impressed by the orchestra right away,” Peltokoski said. “Absolutely one of the best orchestras in Asia, for sure. So when the offer came, it was an easy yes for me.”