Conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste • Living the Classical Life Ep.117

"The art of being on stage is that you're taking the audience to you."
Finnish conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste was trained as a violinist before becoming a conductor. In 1987, he became the chief conductor of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and held the position until 2001. In April 2022, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra announced the appointment of Saraste as its next chief conductor.
Filmed in May of 2021 in Munich, Saraste joins for a conversation about his musical life and philosophy of drawing a listener to the performance. Longevity and sincerity are explored, as well as his advice to young performers.
0:00 Opening and Mahler excerpt
2:16 From violin to conducting
4:07 Can a conductor be shy?
5:32 Achieving results in a few days?
8:18 Objective romantic?
10:20 How to draw a listener in?
13:36 Ensuring longevity: staying recharged
15:04 Unusual audience reactions
16:31 Sincerity: advice to young performers
21:42 Inspirations
23:31 End credits
Episode 117 • Filmed May 2021 Munich Germany
To support our work please visit / livingtheclassicallife
Video: www.katalog-film.de

[@joedeegan3870]

I would love to hear him conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra !

[@brandonmacey964]

Very excited to see him conduct Schubert/Beethoven in February of this year in San Fran woo hoo!

[@Living-the-Classical-Life]

He’s also coming here to Cleveland-very excited! Let us know how you enjoy the event ✨🙏

[@dmntuba]

I already luv your channel, but you truly stole my heart with this interview. Been a BIG fan of Jukka - Pekka for years, and so happy you gave him a chance to speak, share, and shine 👍

[@Living-the-Classical-Life]

Wow, I’m speechless on many levels with your amazing words-thank you ✨🙏 -zsolt

[@TheTmackey]

Another serious, thoughtful Fin! So interesting to listen to. Thank you for this interview!

[@Living-the-Classical-Life]

We are so so delighted to have these words of feedback from you-they mean a lot! Please keep in touch! -zsolt ✨☕️

[@MegaVicar]

Such a thoughtful, intelligent man, and perfect timing! I saw him last week conducting Mahler 1 in Houston. Thanks for this! 😀

[@Living-the-Classical-Life]

And thank you so much for writing to us--we are so grateful to hear from you and to get your feedback! We've been delighted to see how many people connect with Saraste on human and musical levels. Please keep in touch! -Zsolt

[@emilyhutjes]

Very interesting Zsolt, thank you 🌷🌷🌷! Remember Jaap van Zweden (Dutch) Violist who became a Conductor.

[@Living-the-Classical-Life]

He is brilliant and dynamic! Before the pandemic we were in discussions with his team to have him on-we should revive this plan!

[@calebyoungconductor]

Fantastic conversation with Jukka-Pekka. Thank you for this!

[@Living-the-Classical-Life]

Coming from you this means really a lot!! ✨🙏🙏 thanks so much-talk soon! Zsolt

[@peterfloer1219]

Wonderful conversation! And such an insightful blend of pragmatism and wisdom from your guest!

[@Living-the-Classical-Life]

Thank you so much for this incredible feedback-this means so much to me and the entire team! We’re grateful to you ✨ -zsolt

[@adesiana2]

I enjoyed this interview also, the diverse questions you put forward and then the give and go with the guest. May this continue a long time.

[@Living-the-Classical-Life]

I’m deeply touched by your words and that you enjoyed the episode enough to leave us some meaningful feedback! Thank you so much, and I do hope you continue to be in touch! -zsolt ✨☕️

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Very interesting, thank you! Ouestion: How come so many conductors come from Finland? Impossible to find an answer perhaps, but as a swede I have often wondered about that.

[@Living-the-Classical-Life]

That’s a good question-we don’t immediately have the answer, although in our episode with Susanna Mälkki she talks about Finland with its tradition of many conductors-we hope that might shed some light even if not giving a specific number ✨