The second episode of “Culture Communication across borders” explores the intersection of classical music and design in Finland!

📹❗️VIDEO PODCAST❗️

👉🏼 available on A440

Our guests Finnish conductor JUKKA-PEKKA SARASTE (Chief Conductor/Artistic Director of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra & Artistic Director of the Fiskars Summer Festival) and NATHALIE AHLSTRÖM (President and CEO of the Finnish Fiskars Group) discuss the rich history of Fiskars, its 375-year legacy, and the artistic collaboration that led to the creation of the Fiskars Summer Festival. They also share their visions for the future and the importance of creativity, innovation and mentorship in their respective fields.

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Takeaways

• Fiskars Group commemorates its 375th anniversary in 2024 while the Fiskars Summer Festival celebrates its 5th edition.
• The unique collaboration of Fiskars Group and the Fiskars Summer Festival is based on the connection between home decor and classical music — two industries united by tradition, creativity, and innovation.
• The Fiskars Summer Festival has become a hub for young musical talent, with mentorship programs that shape the next generation of conductors.

Sound Bites

• "We want to learn more, driven by creativity."
• "In the very artistic and creative atmosphere of Fiskars Village, I thought this is a fantastic home for our activities of the Fiskars Summer Festival."
• "For Fiskars Group to be associated with the festival is fantastic because the festival is all about the creativity and also the continuous learning and the future of the young musicians."

The first episode of „Culture Communication across borders“ explores the experiences of being a SOLO PERFORMER in front of a crowd, whether in TENNIS or OPERA!

Our guests VESA PONKKA (president of the Junior Tennis Champions Center/tennis coach) and ANDRÈ SCHUEN (celebrated baritone/opera singer) discuss the importance of performing in front of an audience and the excitement it brings. They also touch on the challenges of performing when the crowd is against you and the strategies to handle nerves and pressure.

Andrè Schuen's NEW ALBUM is out now: Schubert’s „Winterreise“ by Deutsche Grammophon

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Takeaways

• Being a solo artist in front of an audience requires mental focus and the ability to handle pressure.
• Preparation and consistency are key to success in both tennis and opera.
• Love and enjoyment for the craft are important foundations for sustaining a long and successful career.
• Jannik Sinner is praised for his humility, respect, and dedication to the game.

Sound Bites

• "Luckily in tennis, we are not dealing a lot with aggressive and negative crowds."
• "The balance is the most important thing."
• „In sports, the best way to learn is when you are losing.“