Developing the Next Generation of Leaders in Classical Music
LEAD! Foundation’s mission is to support the emerging careers of the next generation of young conductors and aspiring orchestra principals. We take a holistic view, concentrating not only on the technical and musical aspects of the profession, but also on providing active mentoring and frank advice on the classical music industry. We are convinced that well-prepared and informed artists will be able to manage their careers with greater success, and navigate today’s competitive music world with more confidence, both on-stage and off.
The foundation is directed by leading Finnish conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste and provides teaching through the LEAD! Foundation Academy. Based in Finland and active internationally, we are also the founders of the Fiskars Summer Festival, the main platform for our annual conductors’ masterclass, which features renowned guest conductors invited from both Finland and abroad. We also run a mentorship programme for emerging conductors, orchestra leaders, and since 2023, for composers. Through the festival, we arrange career workshops, seminars and discussions on musical leadership and other industry-related topics, as well as chamber- and orchestral concerts. A sister event on a smaller scale, the Fiskars Easter Sessions, is arranged biannually.
COMING UP
-
NEW COLLABORATION WITH VILLARS MUSIC ACADEMY
We are proud to partner with Villars Music Academy, united by our mission to empower the next generation of musical leaders.
Founded by violinist Aline Champion, the Villars Music Academy is an exclusive summer program in the Swiss Alps for selected young musicians. It offers personalised artistic guidance, combining top-level training with mentorship and personal development in an inspiring setting.
The faculty features renowned soloists—including Kolja Blacher, Rainer Honeck, Nils Mönkemeyer, and Gary Hoffman—as well as Berlin Philharmonic members. Students enjoy daily masterclasses, chamber music, coaching and discussions.
We are looking forward to our future collaboration!
-
WELCOME TO THE 6TH EDITION OF THE FISKARS SUMMER FESTIVAL!
28 July - 2 August 2025
We are delighted to present our full programme exclusively in Fiskars Village this year. This includes our summer chamber music series, featuring our mentors and guest artists, who will perform alongside our talented young participants in a richly diverse set of programmes. Towards the end of the festival, concerts with the Fiskars Festival Orchestra will take place in Puimala, including performances by invited guest conductors and participants from this year's masterclass.
Our chamber music concerts take place in a variety of locations around Fiskars throughout the week, such as Veitsitehdas and Lukaali, and we'll be opening our doors to a special "open house" showcasing our young talent - a concert free of charge to the public in Puimala.
Our final concert, held in Puimala this year on 2 August 2025, will include Robin Haigh's award winning piece, "Grin", Bruch's violin concerto performed by acclaimed violinist Johan Dalene, and Sibelius' first symphony. The festival finale will be conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste, and one of our young conductors.
-
FISKARS SUMMER FESTIVAL 2025 ‒ SELECTED PARTICIPANTS
28 July - 2 August 2025
We are thrilled to announce the selected participants for this year’s Fiskars Summer Festival!
Thirty exceptional instrumentalists and six young conductors have been invited to join our world-class mentors and guest artists in the inspiring environment of Fiskars Village.
The festival will take place from 28 July to 2 August. Throughout the week, participants will engage in a variety of workshops and performances alongside our mentors and guest artists, receiving invaluable guidance from the LEAD! Foundation’s team.
The festival will culminate in a final concert conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste and one of our young conductors—an unforgettable celebration of music and creativity!
Join us in Fiskars this summer and stay tuned for more festival updates!