Olli Mustonen has a unique place on today’s music scene. Following the tradition of great masters such as Rachmaninov, Busoni and Enescu, Mustonen combines the roles of his musicianship as composer, pianist and conductor in an equal balance that is quite exceptional, often bringing them together in one fascinating triple-role performance.

During an illustrious career spanning thirty-five years, Finnish-born Mustonen has brought his extraordinary musical insight to many of world’s most significant musical centres, whether it be in a triple role or as soloist, conductor, recitalist or chamber musician. His intelligence and inspiring presence have led him towards many close musical connections with some of today’s most eminent musicians, and appearances with the world’s leading orchestras.

Meanwhile his life as a composer is at the heart of his piano playing and conducting. He has a deeply held conviction that each performance must have the freshness of a first performance, so that audience and performer alike encounter the composer as a living contemporary. In this respect he recalls Mahler’s famous dictum, that tradition can be laziness, yet he is equally suspicious of the performance that seeks only to be different. This tenacious spirit of discovery leads him to explore many areas of repertoire beyond the established canon.

A strong exponent of Prokofiev’s music, Mustonen has performed and recorded all of Prokofiev’s piano concertos, and is unusual in also offering the complete cycle of Prokofiev piano sonatas. With Steven Isserlis, Mustonen has performed as a duo for more than thirty years.

Olli Mustonen’s recording catalogue is typically broad-ranging and distinctive. Prior to his recording of the complete Prokofiev piano concertos, he released a highly acclaimed recording of his own cello sonata with Steven Isserlis. Mustonen’s release of preludes by Shostakovich and Alkan received the Edison Award and Gramophone Award for the Best Instrumental Recording.