Oramo started his career as a violinist and concertmaster of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra.
In 1993, just one year after completing the course, he stood in for a sick conductor with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra.
[9] In 2008, Oramo stepped down as the CBSO's music director and became the orchestra's principal guest conductor for the 2008–2009 season.
[11] In addition to his conducting and recording work, Oramo has also published newspaper articles on music.
[14] Oramo and his wife Anu Komsi, together with Annika Mylläri and Robert McLoud, founded West Coast Kokkola Opera in 2004.
In September 2008, Oramo became chief conductor and artistic advisor of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.
[23] On the basis of this concert, in February 2012, Oramo was named the 13th chief conductor of the BBC SO, effective with the First Night of the 2013 Proms season.
[28] In October 2020, the BBC SO announced a further extension of Oramo's contract as chief conductor through September 2023.
[29] In April 2022, the BBC SO announced an additional extension of Oramo's contract as its chief conductor through the end of the 2025–2026 season.