Sibelius Academy

Esa-Pekka Salonen is a Finnish composer and conductor. He is best known for his service as the artistic advisor and principal conductor of London's Philharmonia Orchestra. He is also associated with the San Francisco Symphony, where he serves as the music director. Esa-Pekka Salonen is one of the most renowned conductors and composers of his genaration.

Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, based in Paris, France, had a profound shift in her artistic-direction from strict serialism towards spectralism after hearing spectral-music and conducting research at IRCAM. She has received several commissions from IRCAM including for the BBC; and also from Lincoln Center. She was named the greatest living composer in a 2019 composers' poll by BBC Music Magazine.

Best known for his ground-breaking cello-metal band Apocalyptica, Eicca Toppinen is a Finnish cellist and composer. He has also contributed to the scores for movies such as Aquarela and Black Ice, and for various theaters and operas. He was previously married to Finnish actor Kirsi Ylijoki.

One of the most prominent composers from Finland, Einojuhani Rautavaara was the son of an opera singer and thus no stranger to music as a child. In his career of over 7 decades, he created numerous masterpieces, including the operas Aleksis Kivi and Vincent. His works include choral, chamber, and electronic music, too.

Leif Segerstam is a Finnish conductor, violinist, composer, pianist, and violist. He is credited with writing more than 340 symphonies as of 2021. Segerstam is also known for his energentic on stage performances which, along with his vibrant personality, has contributed to his fame.  

Finnish singer-songwriter, actress, and playwright Paula Vesala formed the pop rock band PMMP with Mira Luoti. Vesala gained fame with success of the band that spawned hit albums like Kovemmat kädet and Leskiäidin tyttäret and singles like Oo siellä jossain mun before being disbanded. She later started her solo career and also composed songs for other popular Finnish artists.  .  

Linda Brava is a Finnish concert violinist. Regarded as one of the most accomplished and versatile players of her generation, Brava has explored various genres of music. Renowned for her good looks, Linda Brava has also tried her hand at acting, modeling, and politics.

Paavo Lötjönen is a Finnish cello player who plays for the symphonic metal band Apocalyptica, which he co-founded along with Eicca Toppinen, Antero Manninen, and Max Lilja. Apart from his work for the band, Paavo Lötjönen also works as a cello teacher and as a skiing instructor.

Osmo Vänskä is a Finnish clarinetist, composer, and conductor. He has worked for the Minnesota Orchestra and Iceland Symphony Orchestra, serving as the music director and chief conductor respectively. Osmo Vänskä was also associated with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, where he was the chief conductor.

Finnish conductor Paavo Berglund started playing the violin at age 11 and grew up to play for major orchestras, such as the Finnish Radio Symphony, the Bournemouth Symphony, and the New York Philharmonic. His works comprise more than 100 recordings. He was also nominated for a Grammy in 1971.