June 12 marks the celebration of Helsinki Day, and it is the day that the city board decides on the awardees of the Golden Helsinki Medal. This year Susanna Mälkki was awarded the prestigious Golden Medal for her success as chief conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. The Golden Helsinki Medal is known as the highest honor in the city and is awarded to ten different citizens for their great distribution to the city on local or international levels. Not only has Susanna Mälkki led many of the world’s best orchestras, she is also renowned as one of the most profound interpreters of music in our time.
She wrote of her recent award saying:
“In deep gratitude to the city of Helsinki for having been awarded the Golden Helsinki Medal! It is a great honour, and an honour to be leading one of the oldest institutions of our capital.”
Mälkki began her contract as chief conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra in 2016 and is projected to stay with the ensemble until 2021. She recently spoke about her goals and expectations for the coming years with the ensemble saying:
“I am truly happy to be able to continue planning our journey together with the orchestra – including concerts, tours and recordings. The richness of our repertoire and the quality of our teamwork will allow us to continue to create refined and moving art.”