Susanna Mälkki is the new visionary in the long continuum of Finland’s internationally renowned conductor education. She will assume her position on 1 August 2025.
Susanna Mälkki (b. 1969) is one of Finland’s most sought-after conductors internationally, having made a groundbreaking career with numerous prestigious symphony orchestras and opera houses worldwide. She has been widely acclaimed for her versatile repertoire and deeply insightful approach, which elevates orchestras to exceptional performances.
“I am greatly inspired by the opportunity to teach at my alma mater and to further develop the Sibelius Academy’s renowned conductor education to respond to the ever-changing needs of the cultural field,” Mälkki says.
“Conductor training is possibly the most comprehensive education in the field of music. In the future, we will continue to need artists with both sound professional skills and insight as well as a sense of responsibility for the living history of music and its transmission to audiences and future generations,” she adds.
The professorship in conducting and orchestral education is a permanent part-time position, allowing for the continuation of a busy international career in opera and concert alongside academic responsibilities. Mälkki succeeds Sakari Oramo, who will step down from the position in the summer of 2025.
“Susanna Mälkki’s appointment is a unique and historic moment for us. It is an honour to welcome one of today’s leading conductors into our community, bringing an exceptional breadth of artistic experience to the Sibelius Academy’s internationally renowned conducting and orchestral education,” says Emilie Gardberg, Dean of the Sibelius Academy of Uniarts Helsinki.
Photo: Chris Lee