Finlandia Foundation National Supports Publication of First-Ever Book on Esa-Pekka Salonen
Written By:
Finlandia Foundation
Helsinki, Finland – October 15, 2025 – Finlandia Foundation National (FFN) is proud to announce its grant support for Esa-Pekka Salonen. Themes, the first book dedicated to the internationally acclaimed Finnish composer and conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen (b. 1958). Written by esteemed journalist and cultural entrepreneur Suna Vuori, this Finnish-language volume provides an in-depth, interview-based portrait of one of the world’s most innovative musical minds.
Salonen, whose career has spanned decades in the United States and Europe, is celebrated as a visionary reformer of orchestral music and a profound musical thinker. Through years of interviews, Vuori captures his work, life, and creative philosophy, alongside insights from colleagues and friends, including composers Kaija Saariaho, Magnus Lindberg, and John Adams; conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste; violinist Leila Josefowicz; director Peter Sellars; professor Jorma Panula; and music critic Alex Ross.
“This book represents not only a remarkable contribution to music scholarship, but also a living testament to Finlandia Foundation National’s mission to support Finnish artists and cultural heritage worldwide,” said Minea Lindqvist Herwitz, FFN Communications Director. “Supporting this project highlights the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the arts and celebrating Finnish talent, from our historic patronage of Jean Sibelius to contemporary icons like Esa-Pekka Salonen.”
The book spans Salonen’s life from the 1960s to the present, reflecting on musical triumphs, challenges, and philosophical insights, with a playful and wide-ranging approach that includes commentary on topics from youth and aging to public perception, memory, and culture.
Acclaimed Finnish journalist Suna Vuori.
Book Launch Event:
- Venue: Main Foyer, Finnish National Opera | Helsinki, Finland
- Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
- Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Program Highlights (in Finnish):
- Welcome address by Touko Siltala, Chairman of Siltala Publishing
- Presentation of the Golden Medal of Merit to Esa-Pekka Salonen by the Association of Finnish Symphony Orchestras
- Performance of Salonen’s Memoria by Sibelius Academy students
- Interview with Esa-Pekka Salonen and Suna Vuori, conducted by journalist Minna Lindgren
- Book signing and reception
This project, made possible through FFN’s grant support, exemplifies the Foundation’s dedication to sustaining Finnish culture and storytelling. By supporting Esa-Pekka Salonen. Themes, FFN ensures that audiences both in Finland and globally can access the life, work, and vision of one of Finland’s most influential musicians.
Media Contacts:
- Siltala Publishing: Aino Sirkesalo, +358 50 337 4737, tiedotus@siltalapublishing.fi
- Author: Suna Vuori, +358 40 747 7147, suna.vuori@svart.fi
- Finlandia Foundation National: Minea Lindqvist Herwitz, communications@finlandiafoundation.org
