# Esa-Pekka Salonen, Conductor

> Esa-Pekka Salonen, Conductor – 10 recordings on Ondine. "...one of the few indisputably great masters of his trade..." (David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com)

Source: https://ondine.eyelabel.com/artists/salonen-esa-pekka

- **Role:** Conductor
- **Photo:** © Nicho Soedling

> "...one of the few indisputably great masters of his trade..." (David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com)

## Biography

Esa-Pekka Salonen studied at the Sibelius Academy and made his conducting début with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra in 1979. From 1985-1995 he was Music Director of the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and also in 1985 took up the post of Principal Guest Conductor of The Philharmonia which he held until 1994. Salonen returned to The Philharmonia as the orchestra's chief conductor from 2008 to 2021. He was Director of the Helsinki Festival in 1995 and 1996. From 1992 to 2009, he was the Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In December 2018, the San Francisco Symphony announced the appointment of Salonen as its next music director, effective in 2020.

Salonen is renowned for his interpretations of contemporary music. He is the recipient of many major awards including the Siena Prize by the Accademia Chigiana in 1993, the first conductor ever to receive the prize. In 1995 he was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's 'Opera Award' and in 1997 received their 'Conductor Award'. In 1998 he was awarded the rank of Officier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government.

Esa-Pekka Salonen is recognised as an accomplished composer. He studied with Niccolo Castiglioni and Franco Donatoni in Italy. Career highlights include a three-season appointment as composer-in-residence of the New York Philharmonic in 2015.

## Discography on Ondine (10)

- [Kaija Saariaho: 70 Years · (Digital album)](https://ondine.eyelabel.com/catalogue/ode-1407-2.md): Various (ODE 1407-2, 2023)
- [Esa-Pekka Salonen · Kaija Saariaho: Works for Solo Cello](https://ondine.eyelabel.com/catalogue/ode-1294-2.md): Wilhemina Smith, cello (ODE 1294-2, 2019)
- [Kaija Saariaho: La Passion de Simone](https://ondine.eyelabel.com/catalogue/ode-1217-5.md): Dawn Upshaw, soprano · Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra · Tapiola Chamber Choir · Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor (ODE 1217-5, 2013)
- [Kaija Saariaho: Works for Orchestra](https://ondine.eyelabel.com/catalogue/ode-1113-2q.md): Jukka-Pekka Saraste (ODE 1113-2Q, 2012)
- [Magnus Lindberg: Orchestral Music](https://ondine.eyelabel.com/catalogue/ode-1110-2q.md): Jukka-Pekka Saraste (ODE 1110-2Q, 2011)
- [Kaija Saariaho: Du cristal · ...à la fumée · Nymphéa · Sept Papillons](https://ondine.eyelabel.com/catalogue/ode-1047-2.md): Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra · Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor · Kronos Quartet · Petri Alanko, alto flute · Anssi Karttunen, cello (ODE 1047-2, 2004)
- [Magnus Lindberg: Piano Concerto · KRAFT](https://ondine.eyelabel.com/catalogue/ode-1017-2.md): Magnus Lindberg, piano · Toimii Ensemble · Finnish RSO · Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor (ODE 1017-2, 2004)
- [Anders Hillborg: Clarinet Concerto · Liquid Marble · Violin Concerto](https://ondine.eyelabel.com/catalogue/ode-1006-2.md): Martin Fröst, clarinet · Anna Lindal, violin · Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra · Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor (ODE 1006-2, 2003)
- [Society of Finnish Composer's 50th Anniversary, Vol. 3 · Paavo Heininen · Einojuhani Rautavaara · Harri Vuori · Erik Bergman: Adagio ... concerto per orchestra in forma di variazioni... · Regular Sets of Elements in a Semi-Regular Situation · Kri · Sub luna, Four Nocturnes for Orchestra](https://ondine.eyelabel.com/catalogue/ode-867-2.md): Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra · Jukka-Pekka Saraste, conductor · Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor · Leif Segerstam, conductor (ODE 867-2, 1995)
- [Jorma Hynninen: Profile of a Great Career](https://ondine.eyelabel.com/catalogue/ode-944-2.md): Classic Stars Chamber Orchestra · Savonlinna Opera Festival Orchestra · Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor · Pekka Haapasalo, conductor · Jorma Hynninen, baritone · Kari Tikka, conductor · Ulf Söderblom, conductor · Pentti Koskimies, piano · Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra · Okko Kamu, conductor · Finnish National Opera Orchestra · Estonian Symphony Orchestra · Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra · Ralf Gothóni, piano · Aira Johansson, piano · Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra · Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra · Jorma Panula, conductor · Joensuu City Orchestra · Eri Klas, conductor · Markus Lehtinen, conductor (ODE 944-2, 1999)

## Links

- [Official Website](http://www.esapekkasalonen.com/)
- [Van Walsum Management](http://www.vanwalsum.com/artists/eps.php)