Pekka Kuusisto

Pekka Kuusisto is a Finnish violinist, conductor and composer known for his visionary artistry, creative freedom and genre-defying collaborations. Artistic Director of the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and Chief Conductor Designate of the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, he moves fluidly between the roles of soloist, conductor, composer and improviser. A passionate advocate for contemporary music, Kuusisto has premiered works by composers including Anna Clyne, Ellen Reid, Thomas Adès, Bryce Dessner and Nico Muhly, while his distinctive programming embraces classical music alongside folk, jazz and other contemporary traditions. His collaborators have ranged from leading orchestras and ensembles to artists across disciplines, including Gabriel Kahane, Sam Amidon, Arve Henriksen and Hauschka. Kuusisto’s discography spans works by Beethoven, Stravinsky, Vaughan Williams, Caroline Shaw, Nico Muhly and many others, with releases on Warner, Sony, BIS, Ondine, Platoon and Pentatone.