Finding your own voice and goals is essential. Avoid seeking shortcuts or easy answers.
When asked for advice for young musicians, renowned Finnish conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste, 70, emphasized the importance of discovering one’s unique sound, even if it takes time.
The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, a cornerstone of Finnish classical music, is set to make its Korean debut after 144 years. The historic performance will take place on October 22 at the Lotte Concert Hall in Songpa, Seoul, under the baton of Maestro Saraste, who has been serving as the orchestra’s chief conductor and artistic director since 2023.
In a recent written interview with News1, Saraste expressed his excitement about visiting Korea, noting that he believes one of the common threads between Finnish and Korean cultures is a genuine appreciation for orchestral music. Through this performance, it aims to introduce Korean audiences to the emotionally rich tapestry of Finnish music.
The program features works by Finland’s national composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) and Russian composer-pianist Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953). Audiences can look forward to Sibelius’s “Pelléas et Mélisande” and Symphony No. 2, alongside Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2.
Explaining the juxtaposition of these composers, Saraste said that Finland was part of Russia until 1917, and Russian musical influences are evident in Sibelius’s work. ‘Pelléas et Mélisande’ showcases the multifaceted nature of Sibelius’s compositions and provides a striking contrast to his Symphony No. 2.
Yang In-mo: A Rising Star With a Unique Musical Voice
Violinist Yang In-mo will take center stage as the soloist for Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor.
Yang has been making waves on the international classical music scene, becoming the first Korean to win the prestigious Paganini International Competition in 2015 and the Jean Sibelius International Competition in 2022.
Saraste praised Yang’s artistry, stating that he’s a truly captivating performer with a distinctive sound. His style is perfectly suited to Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto.
Reflecting on his tenure as chief conductor since 2023, Saraste highlighted the Helsinki Philharmonic’s strengths: The orchestra’s sound is remarkably broad and profound.
He added that the adventurous audience allows them to program without constraints. it performs a diverse repertoire, from contemporary pieces to classical and late Romantic works, consistently drawing full houses. This versatility has significantly enhanced the orchestra’s capabilities.
Finland’s Conducting Legacy: A Product of Generational Wisdom
Finland has earned its reputation as a conducting powerhouse by consistently producing world-class maestros across generations. Notable figures include the legendary Jorma Panula, 96, contemporary music specialist Susanna Mälkki, 57, and Klaus Mäkelä, who gained fame as a prodigy at just 28.
When asked about Finland’s secret to success in the conducting world, Saraste attributed it to the passing down of knowledge: It believes it’s because each generation has diligently shared their insights and experiences with the next.
Looking ahead, Saraste shared his vision for the Helsinki Philharmonic: The goal is to further cement the orchestra’s unique identity on the global stage. With its incredible range of expression, the possibilities for the future performances are limitless. His words resonated with the pride of leading an ensemble with such a rich, 144-year history.
