Violinist Pekka Kuusisto, born in 1976 in Espoo, is known for his artistic freedom and innovative approach to repertoire. He is Principal Guest Conductor at the Gothenburg Symphony from autumn 2025 and the assignment will run until 2028. He shares the title with Barbara Hannigan.
Pekka Kuusisto is the artistic director of the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra as well as first guest conductor and artistic partner of the Helsinki Philharmonic. He is also a partner of Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen.
“Pekka Kuusisto…surely has the most personal sound of any classical violinist now alive” (The Telegraph)
“One-of-a-kind” (The Toronto Globe and Mail)
Pekka Kuusisto was educated in Finland and USA together with his brother Jaakko. He had his breakthrough when, as a 19-year-old, he won the Sibelius Competition in 1995, the only Finn to date to receive first prize. In 2013 he received the Nordic Council’s Music Prize. Today he appears as a violinist with the world’s leading orchestras and has received specially written violin concertos by composers such as Daníel Bjarnason, Nico Muhly and Bryce Dessner.
He gets involved across the entire artistic spectrum and runs several projects together with artists in rock and folk music. Under the name Council, he tours with singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane. He has collaborated with Dutch neurologist Erik Scherder, electro pioneer Brian Crabtree, jazz trumpeter Arve Henriksen, juggler Jay Gilligan, accordionist Dermot Dunne and folk musician Sam Amidon.
“Pekka is incredible at communicating with other musicians.”
(Bryce Dessner, friend and composer)
Pekka Kuusisto has been a dear guest of the Gothenburg Symphony since 2000. In the moon landing concert in the fall of 2019, he played both with the music and with projections of himself on the surface of the moon. He made his debut at the conductor’s podium in 2023 when he did Schönberg’s captivating violin concerto with Ava Bahari as soloist and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. A concert that was also recorded for GSOplay.
Listen to recordings with Pekka Kuusisto
Willows (2025)
In solo work by Bryce Dessner:
With Norwegian Chamber Orchestra:
Season Opening with Pekka Kuusisto
Enjoy vibrant saxophone and shimmering sunrise as the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and Pekka Kuusisto launch the season. High energy is guaranteed with the sounds of Anders Hillborg, Ida Moberg and Mahler.
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra plays in Vara Konserthus
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra plays in Vara Konserthus together with conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste and pianist Peter Jablonski.
Pekka Kuusisto in Sibelius Violin Concert
Explosiveness, tempo and rest as Pekka Kuusisto plays and conducts Sibelius’ Violin Concerto with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. In Kuusisto’s hands, the music is born anew.
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra plays in Örebro
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra on tour with conductor Pekka Kuusisto.
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra plays in Dublin
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra on tour with conductor Pekka Kuusisto.
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra plays in Amsterdam
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra on tour with conductor Pekka Kuusisto.
On the Road with Byström & Beethoven
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and conductor Pekka Kuusisto conclude the season with power and energy. We hear Britta Byström’s colourful orchestral adventure and celebrate Beethoven’s anniversary with the life-affirming Symphony No. 7.
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra plays in Stockholm Concert Hall
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra plays in Stockholms Konserthus together with first guest conductor Pekka Kuusisto.
National Day Concert 2027
The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra join together in the lush Slottsskogen with conductor and violinist Pekka Kuusisto. A tradition that gathers tens of thousands for relaxation, community and a sing-along.
Leading conductors from around the world
In Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra we have a long history of collaborations with leading conductors from around the world. Barbara Hannigan and Pekka Kuusisto are our Principal Guest Conductors.
The musicians in the orchestra
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra consists of 109 fantastic musicians. Take a closer look at who you meet on stage in the various instrument sections - strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano and harp.
A truly wonderful experience
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra consists of 109 musicians who are driven by their love of music and a desire to provide you with a truly wonderful experience that will live long in the memory. It is this passion and ambition that makes the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, the National Orchestra of Sweden, one of the world’s foremost orchestras.