Role

:

Conductor

Country

:

Finland

Birth

:

April 1, 1979 in Helsinki, Finland

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Mikko Franck is a Finnish conductor who has gained international recognition for his exceptional talent and musicality. Born on April 1, 1979, in Helsinki, Finland, Franck showed an early interest in music and began playing the violin at the age of five. He later studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where he received his diploma in conducting in 1998. Franck's career as a conductor began in 1999 when he was appointed as the principal conductor of the Finnish National Opera. He quickly gained a reputation for his dynamic and expressive performances, and his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. In 2002, he was appointed as the principal conductor of the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, a position he held until 2013. During his tenure with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Franck led the orchestra on numerous international tours and made several acclaimed recordings. He also collaborated with some of the world's most renowned soloists, including Anne-Sophie Mutter, Lang Lang, and Yo-Yo Ma. In addition to his work with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Franck has also conducted many other leading orchestras around the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also been a regular guest conductor at the Royal Opera House in London and the Vienna State Opera. One of Franck's most notable performances was his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic in 2005. He conducted a program that included works by Beethoven, Sibelius, and Ravel, and received a standing ovation from the audience. The performance was widely praised by critics, who noted Franck's ability to bring out the nuances and subtleties of the music. Franck has also been recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 2008, he was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal, one of Finland's highest honors for cultural achievements. He has also been awarded the Order of the Lion of Finland and the Order of the Star of Italy. In recent years, Franck has continued to build his reputation as one of the world's leading conductors. He has conducted several world premieres, including Magnus Lindberg's "Kraft" with the New York Philharmonic in 2017. He has also been a strong advocate for contemporary music, and has worked closely with many living composers, including Kaija Saariaho and Esa-Pekka Salonen. Franck's commitment to music education has also been a significant part of his career. He has worked with young musicians around the world, and has been a guest conductor at several youth orchestras, including the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra. In 2020, Franck was appointed as the chief conductor of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, one of France's leading orchestras. He has already made a strong impression on the orchestra, and has been praised for his ability to bring out the best in the musicians. Overall, Mikko Franck is a highly respected and accomplished conductor who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His passion for music, his exceptional talent, and his commitment to education and collaboration have made him a beloved figure in the classical music community.

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