I first conducted the Kymi Sinfonietta in 2023, leading a wonderful program of Mozart, Wagner, and Schumann with prize-winning pianist Piotr Pawlak. From the very first rehearsal, I felt an immediate and genuine connection with the musicians. The atmosphere on stage was warm and collaborative, and it was clear that everyone shared a deep passion for music and a commitment to performing at the highest level. I believe the audience sensed this enthusiasm as well, and the two concerts we gave together were a true joy.
It was therefore a great pleasure to return in 2025 for another concert, this time alongside the brilliant violinist Elina Vähälä, beloved by the Kymi audience. The experience reinforced my appreciation for the orchestra and its musicians, and I could not have been more thrilled when I was subsequently offered the role of Artistic Partner.
In addition to the high individual level of its musicians, what makes a chamber orchestra like the Kymi Sinfonietta truly special is the intimate collaboration that comes from playing together in a smaller ensemble. This close teamwork fosters a unique musical unity on stage, while the smaller concert halls in which we perform allow for a more personal, direct connection with the audience, something I deeply value. One of my central goals is to bridge the so-called “fourth wall” between stage and hall, creating meaningful interactions with listeners both through the music itself and the way we present it.
As a French conductor who has lived and studied in Finland, I am also keenly aware of the long-standing musical dialogue between our countries. Finnish composers such as Leevi Madetoja, Kaija Saariaho, and Magnus Lindberg have drawn inspiration from France, while Finnish conductors including Mikko Franck, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Susanna Mälkki have left their mark on the French orchestral scene. I look forward to continuing and expanding this cultural exchange in our programming, while also presenting the rich traditions of Germanic, Italian, Slavic, British, and other repertoires to our audience.
When it comes to the orchestra’s core repertoire, the great classics of Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn, I aim to bridge centuries. This means to me drawing on historical performance practices to bring the music closer to the way it was originally heard, while simultaneously connecting it to the present and resonating with our modern ears and aesthetics.
I am filled with excitement and have many creative projects in mind, which I look forward to sharing with Kymi Sinfonietta’s audience in the months to come!