Pekka Kuusisto (born 1976, Espoo) is a Finnish violinist, conductor, and composer who moves freely between classical repertoire, folk music, and contemporary work. He won the International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition in 1995 - the first Finn to do so - and has since built a parallel career on the podium, holding posts at the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic, and Gothenburg Symphony, with a chief conductorship at the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra starting in April 2028.
Kuusisto released the album 'Willows' on the Platoon label with the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra and folk singer Sam Amidon, featuring music by Vaughan Williams, Caroline Shaw, Ellen Reid, and folk songs arranged by Nico Muhly.
Kuusisto began a two-year Artist in Residence term with the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, appearing as both conductor and violinist.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra announced Kuusisto as its next Chief Conductor from April 2028, on an initial three-year contract.
The Moominvalley animated series soundtrack, co-composed by Kuusisto with Samuli Kosminen and Jarmo Saari, was released in January 2025.
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra announced Kuusisto as Principal Guest Conductor from the 2025/26 season, sharing the title with Barbara Hannigan.
classical19:00Season opening with conductor Pekka Kuusisto and Gothenburg Symphony. World premiere of Anders Hillborg's saxophone concerto, music by Ida Moberg and Mahler's first symphony.
classical19:00Pekka Kuusisto performs Sibelius' Violin Concerto as conductor and soloist with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. The evening concludes with Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony.