Finnish conductor; born in Helsinki (Heinola) April 22, 1956. He studied piano and violin before pursuing conducting at the age of 12. After winning the Nordic conducting competition in 1981, he began to appear as a guest conductor throughout Scandinavia, continental Europe and North America. (London Symphony Orchestra -Promenade concert in London; German debut with Munich Philharmonic; principal conductor Scottish Chamber Orchestra in Glasgow). For six years starting with 1994, he pursued a successful conducting career on two continents. 2001 was his last season with the Toronto Symphony and the Finnish Radio Symphony. J-P Saraste's future plans include returning to Europe to live and work as a freelance conductor with no specific ties to any one orchestra-as well as launching a new musical festival in Tammisaari Finland.

One of the most gifted conductors of his generation, Saraste's personal tastes run from Shakespeare to Donald Duck. Saraste is a versatile conductor known for his expertise in both Mozart and contemporary music. He dislikes any music which lacks a deeper second level beneath mere beauty. 'I want to avoid music that gives only pleasure without other aspects'.

Since his professional conducting debut at the age of 23, Mr. Saraste has established himself as an orchestra-builder, and has brought the music of Scandinavian composers to greater prominence in the active concert repertoire. Starting with the music of a favorite compatriot, Jan Sibelius, Saraste seems to have a strong affinity for romantic music, including the opulent works of Skriabin- Poem of Ecstasy..Bruckner, Mahler, Dvorak, Elgar, Mussorgsky- Pictures at an Exhibition ..etc. etc..... Saraste has recorded a great many classics from the turn of the 20th century.Discography includes: the symphonies and tone poems of Sibelius and numerous other works...

list of recordings

Symbols:
A Taurus by the Western Zodiac and a Fire Monkey by the Eastern Zodiac--- communication, energy, challenge- are all characteristics associated with these astrological signs.

Rocky island outcrops, pine trees, water, fishing and saunas are also associated with the conductors love of the harsh elements of the natural environment; while cooking and fine wine can be associated with the cosmopolitan, urban man.