LEAD! Foundation

LEAD! Foundation’s mission is to support the emerging careers of the next generation of young conductors. LEAD! takes a holistic view on mentorship and teaching. We believe that well-informed musicians will be able to manage their careers with more ease, navigating today’s competitive music world with more confidence, both on and off-stage. Our focus is, therefore, not only on developing musical competence and leadership skills; we also provide mentoring and insight into the classical music industry. LEAD! is directed by leading Finnish conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste and provides teaching through the LEAD! Foundation Academy and the LEAD! Foundation Digital Academy. Based in Finland but active internationally, we are also the founders of the Fiskars Summer Festival, an educational platform for young conductors. Alongside the Conducting Masterclass, the festival runs career coaching workshops, open seminars and discussions about musical leadership and other topics, chamber and orchestral concerts. LEAD! is supported by an experienced organisational team. We work closely with a wide range of musical institutions, including conservatories, orchestras and festivals. The LEAD! Foundation believes in creating long-lasting change and a supportive community. Through its in-person and digital initiatives and activities, it offers teaching, ongoing support and assistance to students and alumni no matter where they are in the world and in their career.