So, how did it happen?
It all started by mistake…
Music entered my life through my mother, a passionate music lover. Growing up, I was surrounded by diverse sounds and melodies, sparking my curiosity about the world of music. One day, I discovered an old guitar at my grandmother’s house and began experimenting with it, dreaming of replicating the tunes my mother cherished.
This fascination led to guitar and music theory lessons. As I studied harmony, I became captivated by how music evokes emotions and began unraveling its beauty. Although I longed to learn piano, financial constraints made it impossible.
Soon after, I secured a place at the Conservatory of Music in Lima, where I studied classical guitar and composition. As my passion for larger works grew, I moved to Europe to deepen my studies. After a period in London and earning admission to the Royal College of Music, I discovered my true calling: orchestral conducting. The symphonic form's complexity and the conductor’s ability to shape a piece of music with an orchestra fascinated me, and I was eager to take on this challenge.
Determined to pursue this path, I relocated to St. Petersburg to study orchestral conducting at the State Conservatory under Mikhail Kukushkin. This period was transformative, as I had the privilege of learning from exceptional teachers, including composer Mr. Rogalev, who nurtured my passion for musical analysis. I also traveled across Europe to expand my knowledge and opportunities.
After completing my studies in St. Petersburg, I sought further education. Initially, I planned to move to Germany, but life had other plans—during my final months in Russia, I met the woman who would become my wife. Shortly after, I was accepted into the Sibelius Academy in Finland, studying under Leif Segerstam. This experience introduced me to new perspectives on conducting, and I gained valuable insights from the Academy's esteemed faculty.
During this period, I participated in masterclasses with renowned artists such as Peter Eötvös, Roger Norrington, Vladimir Jurowski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Lorin Maazel and many others. These experiences broadened my understanding of the profession and deepened my appreciation for its demands.
My freelance career began to flourish working with many European orchestras, and I was even considered for Music Director positions in Finland. In 2013, I served as conductor the Staatstheater Meiningen, Germany, where I spent three seasons refining my skills in a German opera house. I learned the intricacies of opera production, large-scale works, and the intense demands of working under pressure.
Despite my love for the opera house, I made the difficult decision to prioritize my family, putting my career ambitions on hold and returning to Finland. Freelancing proved more challenging, but a new opportunity arose when I was offered the role of managing the conducting classes at the Sibelius Academy. It was an honor to serve my Alma Mater and help shape the next generation of conductors. This role offered deep insights into the workings of a high-profile institution, allowing me to benchmark, refine my ideas, and invite international perspectives to the Academy.
While working at the Academy, I continued guest conducting, including a production at the Glyndebourne Festival and assisting Kirill Petrenko with Mahler’s 8th Symphony. I’ve conducted various orchestras across Europe and in 2023 a production of Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda in Bregenz receiving praise from audiences and critics alike. Most recently, in April 2024, I had the pleasure of conducting Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro at the Sibelius Academy with the singers of the Opera Department, which marked another exciting milestone in my journey as a conductor and closed my journey into the Mozart-da Ponte world.
Looking ahead, I am eager to explore new collaborations in both orchestral and opera settings. Opera holds a special place in my heart—the collaboration with singers, the orchestra, and the storytelling required to captivate an audience is a thrilling experience. My goal is to share the depth of my journey and passion for music, and I believe I have much to offer in the coming years. Music continues to burn deeply within me, and I am excited for what lies ahead.
