Hannu Lintu’s passion for conducting was sparked by his visit to the Savonlinna Opera Festival at the age of 11. While watching the performance of Don Carlos with his family, the young cellist was mesmerised by what was happening in the orchestra pit rather than the events on the stage. His fascination with opera was already shaping his identity as musician back then.
Operas didn’t play a major role in the conducting degree programme of the Sibelius Academy, but soon after finishing his education, Lintu was mentored by Ulf Söderblom who gave him advice for several works. Lintu has listed Wagner, Verdi, Richard Strauss and Alban Berg as the opera composers closest to his heart.
As an opera conductor, Hannu Lintu wants to be involved in each production as early on as possible. He is keen to immerse himself in the director’s plans, enjoys participating in music and direction rehearsals, explores the sets, and aims to grow together with the production from the very start.
In 2022–2023, his second season at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, Chief Conductor Hannu Lintu will conduct three premieres: Die Walküre in autumn 2022 and Turandot and Siegfried in spring 2023. He will also perform as a guest conductor in Paris, Amsterdam, Lisbon, London, Berlin, New York, St Louis and Montreal. To find out more, visit his website at hannulintu.fi
