The Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) has announced the appointment of international piano virtuoso Paavali Jumppanen as its new Artistic Director commencing in January 2021.
“After a comprehensive international search, I am thrilled to announce Paavali Jumppanen’s appointment as Artistic Director to succeed Nick Deutsch in January 2021,” said ANAM Chair John Daley. “The core of ANAM’s program is training future music leaders and Paavali brings a deep commitment to music education and extensive experience as a performer, festival director, collaborator and recording artist.”
“Paavali is no stranger to Australia, having toured the country regularly for more than 15 years, and led three creative residencies at ANAM. His collaborative approach, deep respect for the cultural ecosystem of Australia and his drive to contribute to the musical life of Australia and the world is clear.”
“Equally Paavali will deepen ANAM’s growing connections with leading international music academies. He has worked with many of them, particularly the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, and as a visiting fellow at Harvard University,” said Mr Daley.
The renowned Finnish pianist, teacher, and musical leader has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras around the globe, including the Finnish Radio Symphony, the BBC Symphony, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
He has performed solo and chamber music recitals, and taught around the world. Paavali is an acknowledged authority on the piano works of Beethoven and Boulez, having recorded all of the Beethoven piano sonatas, and the three Boulez sonatas for Deutsche Grammophon under the composer’s direction.
“I am thrilled to begin in this new role as a member of the ANAM family, taking the reins from Nick Deutsch – a visionary pedagogue and great performer who has steered ANAM to a very strong place on the national and international stage,” said Mr Jumppanen. “To have a chance to build on this and to lead ANAM into the future is a tremendous honour and an exciting opportunity.”
“Coming from Finland, a country often praised for its education system, I’ve always felt that ANAM is a special institution that we could all learn from. ANAM’s role is to provide a bridge for young musicians to their professional life while helping them envision and define the role of music in tomorrow’s world.”
“We want them to become the best musicians they can be, and for ANAM to be an unmissable experience on their path to a successful and sustainable career, whether that be as an orchestral performer, soloist on the international concert stage, ambassador for contemporary music or contributing to the soulful wellbeing of their own communities.”
“ANAM can be at the forefront of providing a meaningful response to the importance of culture and the arts in society, and with our world (and the way we live) currently undergoing dramatic change, that has never been more significant. The skills of today’s musicians are manifold, to play your instrument magnificently is just one component, to have something to say as a musician is perhaps even more important.”
“I look forward to leading ANAM in strengthening its contribution to musical life nationally and internationally, to draw from the uniqueness of the Australian culture, and to work together with ANAM’s outstanding faculty, colleagues, alumni and guests to make sure that the distinct musical voices of this country and the world will be invited to share their musical minds with us all,” said Mr Jumppanen.
Mr Jumppanen will divide his time between Helsinki and Melbourne in 2021, before relocating his young family to be based in Melbourne from 2022. His position as Artistic Director will be generously supported by Janet Holmes à Court.
“As ANAM embarks on its next chapter, including realising our vision for transforming our home at South Melbourne Town Hall into a cultural and community destination venue, the ANAM Board is confident in Paavali leading the organisation through this exciting juncture, building on Nick Deutsch’s outstanding legacy,” said Mr Daley.
For more information about Paavali Jumppanen, visit: www.paavalijumppanen.com For more information about the Australian National Academy of Music, visit: www.anam.com.au for details.
Image: Paavali Jumppanen – photo by Anu Jormalainen