Sibelius Academy presents Siba Talks – stories of life, career and music with leading artists

7.1.2025 News

The Sibelius Academy of Uniarts Helsinki will launch a new, public interview series, Siba Talks, on Musiikkitalo Open Day, 1 February 2025. The series is hosted by pianist and Lecturer in Lied Keval Shah, who is also known as an innovative broadcaster and presenter at the BBC. In each session, eminent figures from the remarkable Sibelius Academy community reflect on their lives and careers, and share the music which means the most to them.

The first episode of Siba Talks will feature Sebastian Fagerlund, one of the most internationally successful Finnish composers of his generation. Fagerlund, who graduated from the Sibelius Academy in 2004, has had his music commissioned and performed by leading orchestras, conductors and musicians around the world.

The public event will take place on 1 February 2025, as part of the Musiikkitalo Open Day programme from 14:00 to 15:15 in Camerata Hall.

“Our aim is to highlight the extraordinary range and quality of expertise in our university community – alumni, faculty and visiting artists – to both Finnish and international audiences,” Keval Shah explains.

“In this series, a range of high-profile artists speak about their life and work, and the role of Sibelius Academy in shaping their paths.”

Each year, four guests will be invited to take part in the series. The format combines interview questions, conducted in English, with a selection of musical excerpts chosen by the guest interviewee.

“This allows the guests to share pieces of music that have played a significant role in their personal and professional lives, while inspiring the audience to listen in a more attentive and detailed way,” Shah says.

At the end of the interview, members of the public are welcome to participate in a Q&A and discussion session with the guests.

Each episode will be available to watch afterward on the Sibelius Academy’s YouTube channel.

“While we usually showcase our activities through performances, this series gives a voice to the people whose contributions have enriched and reinforced the unique value of music culture and education,” says Jenni Lättilä, Vice Dean for Artistic Activities at the Sibelius Academy.

“Their stories, the music that holds meaning for them and their connection to the Sibelius Academy will be revealed in an inspiring way – offering insight for prospective students and a broader audience alike,” Lättilä concludes.

Sebastian Fagerlund

Sebastian Fagerlund (b. 1972) has established himself as one of the most significant European composers of his generation. He studied composition under Erkki Jokinen at the Sibelius Academy, earning his composition diploma in 2004.

In his works, Fagerlund often explores fundamental questions of existence. His compositions are characterised by their musicality and virtuosity, conveyed to the listener as musical dramas that combine powerful expression with an openness to various musical traditions.

Fagerlund’s extensive body of works include orchestral and chamber music, solo pieces and operas.

Keval Shah

British-Indian pianist Keval Shah (b. 1993) is celebrated for the intellectual and creative depth of his artistic vision. A laureate of multiple international competitions, Shah has performed at many of Europe’s major concert halls and festivals, and has recorded for labels including Deutsche Grammophon.

Alongside successes in the traditional field, Keval is a pioneer in concert design and curation, regularly commissioning contemporary music and building artistic projects that mix different genres, cultures, and philosophies. His musical practice is guided by a fascination with cross-cultural and multi-cultural processes, and the artistic and social possibilities which can be found therein.

Alongside his work at the Sibelius Academy, Keval frequently works as a broadcaster at the BBC, most recently presenting a documentary about Kaija Saariaho’s final projects.