Jani Telaranta (1976)

Jani Telaranta began his musical studies with the accordion, later adding the piano and cello. In 1994 he was admitted to the illustrious Sibelius Academy conducting class, where his teachers were Jorma Panula, Atso Almila, Eri Klas and Leif Segerstam. He has also attended master classes with Ilja Musin and Esa-Pekka Salonen and received his conducting diploma with the highest possible grade in 1999.

In spring 2000 he was the only Finn to be placed among the top seven contestants in the International Sibelius Conductors’ Competition, and in September 2005 he was a semi-finalist in the same competition. He has made guest appearances with almost all the Finnish orchestras, has had conducting engagements in Sweden, Denmark, Spain and the United States, and is Chief Conductor of the UNKO Orchestra.