Who is Osmo Vänskä?
A conductor, clarinetist, composer, husband, father, grandfather, lover of the outdoors and a big foodie.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I can’t imagine doing anything other than music, but I would like to go back to my teenage years and use more time to prepare to be a conductor.
Who inspires you and why?
People who have found something interesting to share with others. In the music world, for example, Leonard Bernstein.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I want to make music so that it can touch listeners in their lives as deeply as possible.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Finland because of the snow. Daylight is very short in the winter months, and it’s also the homeland of Santa Claus.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
First we would go cross-country skiing, attend a Minnesota Orchestra concert, and then have dinner at home because my wife Erin is a great chef and the sommelier (me) is pretty decent.
What are you currently reading?
Kristin Hannah: The Great Alone.
What are you currently listening to?
For studying purposes, many pieces which I am conducting in the coming months. For fun, good jazz like Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald and Melody Gardot.
Happiness is?
Family, friends, music, sauna, hockey and being close to nature.
What does the future hold for you?
Having a good time with my wife, kids and their families and seeing places around the world, as well as playing the clarinet, composing and conducting.
Osmo conducts the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in Osmo Vänskä Conducts the Music of Sibelius in the Concert Hall – Sydney Opera House: 24 – 27 April 2024. For more information, visit: www.sydneysymphony.com for details.
Image: Osmo Vänskä – photo by Lisa-Marie Mazzucco