Klaus Mäkelä

Klaus Mäkelä is a rising star in the classical music world, captivating audiences worldwide with his exceptional talent as a conductor and cellist. Born on June 5, 1996, in Helsinki, Finland, Mäkelä has achieved remarkable success at a young age and continues to make waves in the industry.

Mäkelä's musical journey began at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where he studied cello under the guidance of Marko Ylönen. His passion for conducting also emerged during his studies, leading him to take lessons from Jorma Panula and Hannu Lintu. This dual expertise as both a cellist and conductor sets Mäkelä apart from many of his peers.

In 2012, Mäkelä won the Turku Cello Competition and was awarded the second prize at the Paulo International Cello Competition in Helsinki two years later. These accomplishments solidified his reputation as an outstanding cellist and opened doors for numerous performance opportunities around the world.

As a conductor, Mäkelä has worked with esteemed orchestras such as the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. In 2019, he was appointed Chief Conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, becoming one of the youngest conductors to hold such a prestigious position.

Mäkelä's conducting style is characterized by his meticulous attention to detail and an innate ability to bring out the emotional depth of each piece he interprets. His performances are often praised for their intensity, precision, and profound musicality. Whether conducting symphonies by Beethoven or contemporary works by living composers, Mäkelä consistently delivers captivating renditions that resonate with audiences.

Beyond his achievements on stage, Klaus Mäkelä has also made several critically acclaimed recordings.