Finland's Savonlinna Orchestra Society Names New Artistic Director

Conductor and violinist Mikk Murdvee will step into the role

Conductor and violinist Mikk Murdvee started as Artistic Director of the Savonlinnan Orkesteri on January 1, 2024, a post that will extend to the 2024/25 season — with the option to renew in 2026.

Murdvee studied the violin at Finland's renowned Sibelius Academy with Mari Tampere-Bezrodny and achieved the highest possible grade upon his graduation in 2005. He also studied conducting with Leif Segerstam, Atso Almila, and Jorma Panula.

He then became the assistant conductor to Esa-Pekka Salonen at London's Philharmonia Orchestra and was also appointed Principal Conductor of the Helsinki University Symphony Orchestra.

Murdvee regularly appears with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, and has also conducted the Philharmonic Orchestras of Helsinki, Tampere and Turku, the Oulu Symphony Orchestra, the Kuopio, Jyväskylä, Vaasa, Joensuu, Lappeenranta, Pori, Seinäjoki and Kemi City Orchestras, the Symphony Orchestras of the London Royal College of Music, Sibelius Academy and Metropolia, and the Southbank Sinfonia of London, among others.

"Murdvee has been known to the orchestra since the fall 2022 after conducting the orchestra’s concert in Imatra and Savonlinna Cathedral," the organization wrote. "The practice period and the concerts were full of positive vibes, and now the cooperation will continue."

"Murdvee has a lot of experience with so-called hybrid orchestras, where professionals, students and amateurs play. Murdvee has also directed almost all the professional orchestras in Finland and Estonia. In addition to his conducting work, Murdvee is making an international career as a violinist and plays in the Finnish National Opera orchestra. We warmly welcome Mikk Murdveen to our Savonlinna team!"