Jukka-Pekka Saraste
conductor
An artist of exceptional versatility and breadth, Jukka-Pekka Saraste has established himself as one of the outstanding conductors of his generation, demonstrating remarkable musical depth and integrity.
Saraste has served as Chief Conductor of the WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne since 2010. His previous positions include Music Director and Chief Conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as the principal conductorships of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He also was Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He founded the Finnish Chamber Orchestra and the orchestra’s annual Tammisaari Festival, for which he is Artistic Director. Last but not least, he is a founding member of LEAD! The Orchestra Project, which aims to teach effective musical leadership and communication skills to aspiring young musicians within the context of orchestra playing, in workshops and masterclasses.
Guest engagements have led him to the major orchestras worldwide, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, NHK Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris and New York Philharmonic.
Saraste’s extensive and critically acclaimed discography includes numerous recordings with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra and WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne.
