Who we are
When you mention the term “Finnish conducting school”, no doubt the first thing to come to mind are the Finnish conductors of nearly legendary status such as Paavo Berglung (1929–2012), Leif Segerstam (b. 1944), Okko Kamu (b. 1946) or Esa-Pekka Salonen (b. 1958). Finns seem to be disproportionately well represented in the world of conducting and perhaps only Estonia, our southern neighbour, has more well-known international orchestra conductors per capita! But what is meant by the Finnish conducting school, and does such a thing exist?
Next masterclass
Sofia, Bulgaria June 30– july 4, 2026
We are delighted to announce a new Finnish Conducting School masterclass in collaboration with Sofia Sinfonietta, a fully professional symphony orchestra based in Sofia, Bulgaria. This intensive summer course runs from June 30 to July 4, 2026, and offers an immersive experience in rehearsal, technique, and performance.
Helping you find your strengths
Read more about the workshops
Studying with Sasha Mäkilä is the best thing I could’ve done to help my development as a conductor. He has inspired me to think of the different colors of the orchestra, and how I can encourage the musicians, both through interaction and technique, to showcase the music. Sasha Mäkilä makes himself relatable to his students so that he creates an environment of good communication, creativity, and learning.
Dorian Neuendorf,
Artistic Director of the Hendersonville Symphony Youth Orchestra and Assistant Conductor of the Union Symphony Orchestra
Solid technique as a basis for creativity
Faculty
Finnish conductor Sasha Mäkilä is gaining recognition as one of the most prominent rising talents of his generation in both operatic and symphonic fields. Since 2017 maestro Mäkilä has been Artistic Director of the Helsinki Metropolitan Orchestra. In a short period of time, Mäkilä has made a name for himself as a versatile artist with a broad repertoire ranging from baroque to contemporary. In maestro Mäkilä’s previous post as Music Director of St Michel Strings, he lifted the orchestra from near oblivion to national fame, taking them on international tours and music festivals and by inviting world-class soloists as well as introducing concert webcasts.