Described by the Helsingin Sanomat as a ​“natural conductor” with ​“the ability to break down boundaries”, Kristian Sallinen is an exceptional young talent who has already collaborated with several of the leading Finnish orchestras, including the Finnish Radio Symphony, Helsinki Philharmonic, Sinfonia Lahti and Tapiola Sinfonietta.
 
Upcoming highlights include his debut with Sinfonieorchester Basel and a return to Sinfonia Lahti as well as performances with Lapland and Ostrobothnian chamber orchestras, with repertoire encompassing Bach, Mozart, Ravel, Sibelius and Rautavaara as well as a number of contemporary works.
 
Currently studying Orchestral Conducting with Sakari Oramo at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Sallinen is a former student of Jorma Panula and has been mentored by Paavo Järvi, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Hannu Lintu, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Susanna Mälkki, Nicolás Pasquet and Colin Metters.