Developing the Next Generation of Leaders in Classical Music

The LEAD! Foundation, directed by leading Finnish conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste, supports the next generation of emerging conductors, orchestra principals, and composers.

Its mission is holistic, providing not only technical and musical instruction through the LEAD! Labs, but also active mentoring and frank advice to help artists confidently navigate the competitive classical music industry.

Based in Finland and active internationally, it hosts the Fiskars Summer Festival - the platform for its annual conductors' masterclass, career workshops, and industry discussions - along with a mentorship programme and the biannual Fiskars Easter Sessions.

Instagram

2026 is going to be a big year for LEAD! ✨ New masterclasses, more opportunities for young musicians, exciting new collaborations and a packed calendar of concerts. We’re thrilled about what’s coming and can’t wait to reveal everyt
We are excited to announce the return of our Fiskars Easter Sessions on 6–12 April 2026! This beloved spring tradition brings a full week of inspiring chamber music, culminating in a grand final concert with a string orchestra conducted by Juk
That's a wrap for Vienna Labs! ✨ We had a great time with our talented participants. A big thank you to our mentors Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Sophie Heinrich and Sarah Osa, and of course our wonderful accompanist Jeanne Mikitka! #lead2025
The LEAD! Labs in Vienna are in full swing! ✨ It has already been a great few days full of networking and learning. Thank you to all our participants and mentors for sharing your insights! Thank you @imperialvienna for hosting us today! #lead2025
📣 The final hours to apply for our LEAD! Lab for Conductors are at hand! ⏰ Don't miss this great chance to join us in the beautiful Vienna and learn from our mentors Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Sophie Heinrich and Sarah Osa! Apply now! Link in bio. #Lea
📣 Attention all conductors! 📣 The application period for our LEAD! Lab for Conductors in Vienna ends this Saturday 22nd of November! Dive into orchestral leadership with Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Sophie Heinrich and Sarah Osa, attend an interactive sem

COMING UP

  • WHAT IS A LEAD! LAB?

    As an institution, LEAD! Foundation is dedicated to making mentorship, networking and performing opportunities accessible to all emerging conductors, instrumentalists and industry leaders. Based in Finland, we understand the challenges of travelling here. So instead of inviting you to come to us, we’re bringing our programmes and mentorship to cities near you!

    LEAD! Labs are intensive, multi-day masterclasses where participants learn directly from distinguished mentors and leading industry professionals. Designed for artists and arts professionals at the start of their careers, our Labs provide invaluable opportunities to network, seek advice and gain insights into career development and the cultural field. Each Lab is structured to combine hands-on learning and interactive discussions, helping participants grow both artistically and professionally.

    Some of the renowned artists who have joined our Labs as mentors include Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Alban Gerhardt and Sophie Heinrich, among many others. So far, LEAD! has hosted Labs in Helsinki, Munich, Oslo and Stockholm, and we’re currently planning our upcoming series in Vienna, Bergen and London. For the coming years we are excited to expand our programme to reach North America and Asia. By taking our activities abroad, we are strengthening the international network of young musicians, creating opportunities for a lasting collaboration across borders.


  • EASTER SESSIONS 2026

    Fiskars & Porvoo

    We are excited to announce the return of our Fiskars Easter Sessions in 2026! This traditional event will take place from the

    6th to the 12th of April.

    As in previous years, the festival will feature an exciting programme of chamber music concerts showcasing both established artists and rising stars. The week will culminate in a grand final concert with a large string orchestra, conducted by our artistic director Jukka-Pekka Saraste.

    The festival is organised in close collaboration with the prestigious Finnish String Academy, bringing together exceptional young Finnish musicians. Thanks to this partnership, we will have two concerts taking place in the beautiful and historic city of Porvoo, offering audiences a unique musical experience in an unforgettable setting.


    Tickets for the final concert in Fiskars are now available!

    Book now!

  • WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON?

    Over the last few months, we’ve been putting our heads together to create new events, workshops, and opportunities for emerging artists, some of which will launch already in 2026. While we can’t reveal everything just yet, we’re thrilled to share a few highlights about what’s coming next.

    Along with new LEAD! Labs taking place in Vienna, London and Bergen, we’ll also be unveiling additional programs and collaborations designed to support the next generation of artists. The LEAD! Labs will be expanding to new cities and continents, with wheels already in motion to bring our activities to North America, Canada and Asia.

    The flag-ship event of our organisation, the Fiskars Summer Festival will return with a new selection of concerts and soloists, but with familiar mentors and our traditional masterclass for conductors. We’re also delighted to announce the return of our Easter Sessions, featuring a vibrant line-up of performances by outstanding emerging talent.

    Stay tuned for more announcements in the coming months! Sign up to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram and Facebook to be the first to know when applications open and new events are revealed.