Sauli Saarinen
Sauli Saarinen is a Finnish conductor who has recently appeared as a guest conductor with several orchestras. Since 2026, he has served as Chief Conductor of the Conscript Band of the Finnish Defence Forces. His work spans orchestral repertoire from symphonic programmes to contemporary music.
Sauli Saarinen
"Sauli’s warm and humane attitude towards fellow musicians has made a big impact on me and my colleagues."
— Atso Almila
Retired Professor of Conducting
Sibelius Academy
About
Sauli Saarinen is a Finnish conductor who has recently appeared with professional orchestras across Finland, including Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Lahti Symphony Orchestra, Kuopio Symphony Orchestra, Joensuu City Orchestra, Lappeenranta City Orchestra and Kymi Sinfonietta.
Saarinen was appointed conductor of the Conscript Band of the Finnish Defence Forces in 2023 and has served as its Chief Conductor since 2026. In this role, he leads concerts and productions throughout Finland and is responsible for the orchestra’s artistic activities.
Before focusing on conducting, Saarinen worked as a professional trumpeter with several Finnish orchestras. His background as an orchestral musician has shaped his approach to working with orchestras. Saarinen’s repertoire spans symphonic and contemporary music, with a particular interest in concert programming and artistic collaboration.
Saarinen studied conducting at the Sibelius Academy and furthered his studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and the Panula Academy under Jorma Panula. He graduated with a Master of Music degree from the Sibelius Academy in 2022.
"I was very impressed with his ability to rehearse the orchestra quickly and effectively, his clear stick technique as well as his musical instincts."
— Osmo Vänskä
Conductor Laureate: Minnesota Orchestra
Honorary Conductor: Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Contact
Photo Credits:
Rehearsal photos: Lahti Symphony Orchestra
Portraits (About & Contact): Ville Hautakangas