After nearly a decade of musical friendship, it feels only natural that Pekka Kuusisto and the acclaimed American singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane have formalised their collaboration under the name Council. The result is an evening of intimate and sonically rich songs alongside chamber music works, created during a series of writing retreats in Kesälahti in North Karelia and Portland, Oregon.
The Turku Music Festival is Finland’s oldest continuously running music festival. It has evolved into a diverse urban event with a wide range of excellent music.
The Turku Music Festival was founded by the Musical Society in Turku in 1960. It has evolved into a diverse urban event with a wide range of excellent music including grand orchestral concerts, chamber music, recitals, jazz, outdoor events and children’s concerts. The guest roster includes Finnish and foreign stars each year. The current Artistic Director is Lauri Porra. His predecessors include Klaus Mäkelä, Ville Matvejeff, Topi Lehtipuu, Olli Mustonen and Martti Rousi.
Artist presentation
PEKKA KUUSISTO
Violinist, conductor, and composer Pekka Kuusisto is internationally recognised for his visionary artistry and creative freedom establishing him as one of today’s most compelling artists. He is Artistic Director of Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor & Artistic Co-Director of Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the Gothenburg Symphony, and Chief Conductor designate of Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra from April 2028. He joins the TMSO as Artist in Residence for a two-year term from April 2026, appearing both as conductor and violinist.
Artist presentation
YL MALE VOICE CHOIR
YL Male Voice Choir is a Finnish pioneer of male voice choral music, performing actively in Finland and around the world. In addition to its a cappella repertoire, the choir performs and records with the most prominent orchestras and conductors of the world. Several of YL’s recordings have received international prizes. In Finland, YL’s Christmas Concerts have become an important tradition for both choir and audience. The YL Male Voice Choir is conducted by Pasi Hyökki.
Artist presentation
BERLINER PHILHARMONIKER
Berliner Philharmoniker, founded in 1882, is regarded as one of the world’s leading orchestras. Its distinctive sound and international reputation have been shaped by renowned chief conductors including Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado and Sir Simon Rattle. Kirill Petrenko has served as the orchestra’s Chief Conductor since 2019.
