Anu Vehviläinen is a Finnish classical music artist who has made a name for herself as a pianist and conductor. Born on May 28, 1970, in Helsinki, Finland, Vehviläinen showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Her parents, both music teachers, recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Vehviläinen attended the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where she studied piano under the guidance of renowned pianist Liisa Pohjola. She also studied conducting with Jorma Panula, who is known for his work with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. After completing her studies, Vehviläinen began her career as a pianist, performing in concerts and recitals throughout Finland and Europe. She quickly gained a reputation for her technical skill and musical sensitivity, and was soon invited to perform with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. One of Vehviläinen's most memorable performances was her debut with the Berlin Philharmonic in 1998. She played Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, also known as the "Emperor" concerto, to critical acclaim. The Berliner Zeitung praised her "brilliant technique and musicality," while the Berliner Morgenpost called her "a pianist of the highest order." Vehviläinen's success as a pianist led to opportunities to conduct as well. In 2001, she was appointed the principal conductor of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, becoming the first woman to hold that position. She held the post until 2007, during which time she led the orchestra in performances of works by Sibelius, Mahler, and Stravinsky, among others. In addition to her work with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Vehviläinen has conducted many other orchestras around the world, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. She has also been a guest conductor at many music festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the BBC Proms. Vehviläinen's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1995, she won the International Beethoven Piano Competition in Vienna, Austria, and in 1997, she was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal, one of Finland's highest honors for cultural achievement. In 2003, she was named a Knight of the Order of the Lion of Finland, and in 2010, she was awarded the Sibelius Medal, which is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to Finnish music. Despite her many accomplishments, Vehviläinen remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to perform and conduct around the world, and is known for her passionate and expressive interpretations of classical music. Her love of music and commitment to excellence have made her one of the most respected and admired classical music artists of her generation.

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