Osmo Vänskä is Conductor Laureate of the Minnesota Orchestra, and served as Music Director of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra from 2020 to 2023. He is recognized for his compelling interpretations of repertoire from all eras and for his energetic presence on the podium. His democratic and inclusive working style has been key in forging long-standing relationships with many orchestras worldwide. Performances of Mahler’s Symphony no. 8 with the Minnesota Orchestra in June 2022 were a fitting culmination of his tenure there as Music Director, during which time he and the orchestra fulfilled five major European tours, as well as an historic trip to Cuba. They also completed a groundbreaking tour to South Africa as part of worldwide celebrations of Nelson Mandela’s Centenary. Vänskä is the recipient of the Finlandia Foundation’s Arts and Letters Award, the Columbia University’s Ditson Award as well as the Pro Finlandia medal, awarded by the State of Finland.