Role

:

Conductor

Birth

:

January 14, 1996 in Helsinki, Finland

 

Klaus Mäkelä is a Finnish conductor and cellist who has quickly risen to prominence in the classical music world. Born on October 8, 1996, in Helsinki, Finland, Mäkelä grew up in a musical family. His father, Juha Mäkelä, is a cellist and conductor, and his mother, Marja-Leena Mäkelä, is a violinist. Mäkelä began playing the cello at the age of six and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Mäkelä studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where he was a student of Hannu Kiiski. He also studied with Frans Helmerson at the Kronberg Academy in Germany. In 2013, Mäkelä won the Turku Cello Competition, which helped to launch his career as a cellist. In addition to his cello playing, Mäkelä has also shown a talent for conducting. He began conducting at the age of 15 and has since studied with Jorma Panula, Leif Segerstam, and Susanna Mälkki. In 2017, Mäkelä was appointed as the principal guest conductor of the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. Mäkelä has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most exciting young conductors in the world. He has conducted many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also worked with many of the world's leading soloists, including Yo-Yo Ma, Anne-Sophie Mutter, and Janine Jansen. One of Mäkelä's most notable performances was his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic in 2019. He conducted a program that included works by Sibelius, Rautavaara, and Beethoven. The performance was widely praised, with critics noting Mäkelä's "natural authority" and "impressive musicality." Mäkelä has also received numerous awards and honors for his work as a conductor. In 2019, he was awarded the Nordic Council Music Prize, which is one of the most prestigious awards in the Nordic countries. The prize is awarded annually to a musician or composer from one of the Nordic countries who has made a significant contribution to the development of Nordic music. In addition to his work as a conductor, Mäkelä continues to perform as a cellist. He has performed as a soloist with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Oslo Philharmonic, and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. Mäkelä is also a passionate advocate for contemporary music. He has conducted many world premieres of new works by composers such as Magnus Lindberg, Kaija Saariaho, and Esa-Pekka Salonen. He has also worked closely with the Finnish composer Lotta Wennäkoski, who has dedicated several works to him. Mäkelä is known for his energetic and passionate conducting style. He has been praised for his ability to bring out the best in orchestras and soloists, and for his ability to connect with audiences. He is also known for his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in classical music. In 2020, Mäkelä was appointed as the chief conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he will take up in 2021. This appointment is a major milestone in his career and reflects his growing reputation as one of the most exciting and talented conductors of his generation. In conclusion, Klaus Mäkelä is a remarkable musician who has achieved a great deal at a young age. His talent as a cellist and conductor has been recognized by audiences and critics around the world, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his work.

More....