Ahead of the Philharmonia’s 2026 residency at the Mikkeli Festival, we caught up with Principal Cello Louisa Tuck, No. 3 Cello Richard Birchall, and Principal Viola Scott Dickinson, to talk about their chamber concert programme, what it means to step out of the orchestra and play chamber music, and what about the Philharmonia’s return to Mikkeli they are particularly looking forward to.
You are usually colleagues in a much larger ensemble, in the form of the Philharmonia Orchestra. What is it like to play with your colleagues in a more intimate setting, and what do you enjoy about playing chamber music?
Louisa: Being a member of a big symphony orchestra absolutely brilliant and it blows me away all the time. The Philharmonia is world famous for its rich history and its sound, and this on a small scale is super exciting. Chamber music is the ultimate luxury for me, and getting to play with my colleagues is always very inspiring too!
Richard: It’s a very different way of working, and always very special to be able to communicate musically at such close quarters. It is amazing what a variety of ideas and emotions can be shared across a chamber group without any words being spoken, prompted simply by the shared musical experience; and hopefully the audience can feel a part of that same colourful conversation.
Scott: As colleagues at the front of the Philharmonia, we have wonderfully close relationships both musically and personally. There is therefore a particular joy and spark in playing in a more intimate chamber setting with these wonderful people!
Chamber music is the ultimate luxury for me.
Louisa Tuck
You are playing a fascinating programme of music by Kaija Saariaho, Rebecca Clarke, Imogen Holst, and Ethel Smyth, all female composers who aren’t often heard in the concert hall. With this Finnish-British programme, how important is it to listen to, and play, music that we may not be familiar with?
Louisa: I initially put this project together to showcase the fabulous playing of the string principals we have in the orchestra, I’m also incredibly lucky to call them my friends too. Nothing is better than sharing music and friendship together! As musicians we have to challenge each other, and hopefully this program does just that, for us and also the audience. Music is about learning and creating, and listening is the same.
Richard: The proportion of music that ever becomes ‘mainstream’ is very small, so it’s incredibly important that we continue to discover and revive high-quality music that has been neglected, either through chance, or – as is the case with many female composers of the past – through an unjust failure for the music to be recognised, which we now have a chance to rectify.
Scott: We chose these pieces not because they are only women composers, but because the music has heart and soul. I’ve always been a huge fan of Sariaaho, and the Rebecca Clarke duos mix warmth, sincerity and humour brilliantly – a rare feat! Imogen Holst’s music always has beautiful clarity, and Ethel Smyth’s Quintet has tremendous sweep and flair. Music makes life better, and so it is always good to be taken on new journeys!
How did you come across these works for the first time, and how do these pieces complement each other in the programme?
Louisa: I have always enjoyed playing Kaija’s cello works, I’ve recorded Neiges and also played other solo cello repertoire written around the same time, but it was the title Lullaby, which equally matches with the Clarke duo that I was taken by. Then adding the fantasy of Imogen Holst, you really begin to hear what strong voices all these women had musically. Different colour pallets and time frames, but all brilliant. I have wanted to play the Smyth quintet for a long time, so finishing with her first work seems rather fitting!
Scott: I first played the Rebecca Clarke duos with my cellist son, so I have a particular love for them. I discovered Imogen Holst’s chamber music through a beautiful recording made by friends on the NMC label, and the Ethel Smyth through Louisa, although I know and admire her opera The Wreckers.
We chose these pieces not because they are only women composers, but because the music has heart and soul.
Scott Dickinson
What are you looking forward to about performing in Mikkeli?
Louisa: The Philharmonia has musically always been in my bones, as I started my career at the back of the group as a student! I only joined the orchestra as principal cello a few months ago, so this will be the first time all the string principals will be playing a full chamber music together, so it is a pretty special moment for me. True story – I’ve waited 20 years to play in an orchestra with Scott!
Richard: I love the Mikkeli festival experience – it’s very unlike a typical Philharmonia tour, partly because we stay in the same place and can really feel at home! The audiences are as friendly and appreciative as you could ever hope for, too.
Scott: Last year was my first time in Mikkeli, and I was hugely struck by the warmth and deep listening of the audience. It is always a big highlight of our year – of course the music, but also the nature, the swimming and the famous football game too!
Article was first released on philharmonia.co.uk website 22 Jul 2026
30.7.2026
Ahead of the Philharmonia’s 2026 residency at the Mikkeli Festival, we caught up with Principal Cello Louisa Tuck, No. 3 Cello Richard Birchall, and Principal Viola Scott Dickinson, to talk about their chamber concert programme, what it means to step out of the orchestra and play chamber music, and what about the Philharmonia’s return to Mikkeli they are particularly looking forward to.
Read more22.7.2026
Whether it's an electricity grid, a social network, or a network of cultural events, success depends on energy—and a great deal of collaboration. Celebrating its 80th anniversary, Suur-Savon Sähkö is one of the main partners of the Mikkeli Music Festival for the summer of 2026. We spoke with the Group's CEO, Mikael Venäläinen, about the significance of the partnership.
Read more20.7.2026
The Mikkeli Music Festival's Young Talent concert on 5 August 2026 brings together the Brass Academy and the Young Piano Academy in a joint performance. The first half of this concert, presented in partnership with the regional co-operative, features breathtaking virtuoso piano works, while the second half showcases a brass ensemble of young musicians performing memorable themes from films and video games, specially selected to appeal to younger audiences. Holders of the S-Etukortti loyalty card are entitled to discounted tickets at €39 / €19.
Read more16.7.2026
For many years, Osuuskauppa Suur-Savo has been a long-standing principal partner of the Mikkeli Music Festival. As part of its 110th anniversary celebrations, the partnership between the festival and Osuuskauppa Suur-Savo offers co-op members a special discounted concert experience on 5 August, as well as free admission concerts at the Stella Shopping Centre's Star Square from 1–4 August.
Read more16.7.2026
The Mikkeli Music Festival's traditional daily opening events will once again take place at Stella Shopping Centre's Star Square every day throughout the festival week.
Read more8.7.2026
Now in its fifth year, the Mikkeli Music Festival’s “On the Move!” concert series will continue to bring the music of both familiar and new artists to Mikkeli and the surrounding area.
Read more7.7.2026
The opportunity to perform with the Philharmonia Orchestra under the baton of Santtu-Matias Rouvali has brought together a massive festival choir at Mikkeli Parish Church.
Read more9.6.2026
The Mikkeli Music Festival's long-term partners, Osuuskauppa Suur-Savo and Suur-Savon Osuuspankki, will once again offer memorable musical experiences to the residents of Mikkeli in 2026
Read more10.4.2026
Corporate partners play a vital role in securing the continuity of cultural events, especially now as public funding has decreased during challenging economic times. Mikkeli Music Festival’s newest main partner is LähiTapiola Savo-Karjala. This long-standing collaboration is now expanding in terms of both visibility and events.
Read more24.2.2026
Ukranian and Finnish music are in the focus in our winter concert. The concert is part of the City of Mikkeli anniversary celebrations.
Read more4.2.2026
Suur-Savon Sähkö and Mikkeli Music Festival start the cooperation at 2026 festival. The main purpose is to support regions culture and local expertise.
Read more27.8.2025
Vuoden 2025 festivaaliviikon 12 konserttia ja 56 oheistapahtumaa keräsivät festivaalille yhteensä 5 050 myytyä lippua ja 23 700 kuulijaa, mikä on festivaalin kaikkien aikojen ennätys. Vertailun vuoksi vuonna 2024 oli 65 tapahtumaa, 4600 myytyä lippua ja 18 600 kuulijaa. Vuonna 2025 Mikkelin Musiikkijuhlien muusikot esiintyivät lisäksi Jukolan viestin 35 000 osallistujalle, mitä ei ole huomioitu tilastossa.
Read more25.8.2025
Pictures at the Exhibition -concert was played at Mikkeli Music Festival on August 8, 2025. The sold out concert was recorded and is available at YLE until September 5.
Read more4.8.2025
Mikkelissä nähtiin jo kaksi vuotta sitten, mikä voima elokuvamusiikilla voi olla. Kaupunki täyttyi Harry Potter -faneista ja oheisohjelmasta ja houkutti paikalle myös rooliasuihin pukeutuneita konserttivieraita. Molemmat konsertit myytiin loppuun ja yleisö osoitti suosiotaan seisten. Tänä vuonna vuorossa ovat Lord of the Rings -konsertit ja odotukset ovat vähintään yhtä korkealla.
Read more31.7.2025
Mikkelin Musiikkijuhlien perinteiset päivänavaukset pidetään tuttuun tapaan kauppakeskus Stellan Tähtitorilla joka päivä klo 12.
Read more29.7.2025
Emeritusprofessori Eero Tarasti on esitellyt konserttien ohjelmistoja Mikkelin Musiikkijuhlilla jo yli 35 vuotta - voidaan siis puhua jo legendaarisista esittelyistä.
Read more18.7.2025
The Biblical Songs concert on August 5 offers a moment of calm and comfort for those in need of solace.
Read more10.7.2025
On Saturday, August 9th at Mikaeli, the Philharmonia Orchestra will sweep audiences into the epic fantasy world of J.R.R. Tolkien. With the majestic force of a full symphony orchestra, soaring suites from Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films will come to life, conjuring the most iconic, haunting, and heroic themes ever written for the screen. Prepare for a cinematic symphonic adventure unlike any other.
Read more9.7.2025
Christoph Koncz tells us what makes Mozarts Requiem and the special sound of Vienna different from others. He will conduct Requiem at Mikkelin Musiikkijuhlat on August 10, 2025.
Read more1.7.2025
Musiikkijuhlat levittäytyy ympäri Mikkeliä ja Etelä-Savoa. Lue lisää On The Move -ohjelmistostamme.
Read more15.4.2025
Festivaaliviikon tuottajan ja KYLÄSSÄ-hankkeen tuottajan tehtävät avoinna Mikkelin Musiikkijuhlilla
Read more28.2.2025
XXXVI Mikkelin Musiikkijuhlat ammentaa 2.-10.8.2025 ohjelmistossaan legendaarisista taruista ja eepoksista. Näistä meille suomalaisille tärkein on kansallis-eepoksemme Kalevala, joka kuuluu Musiikkijuhlien 2.-10.8.2025 ohjelmistossa monin tavoin.
Read more16.1.2025
XXXIV Mikkelin Musiikkijuhlilla esiintyy 2.-10.8.2025 kansainvälisiä ja kotimaisia taiteilijoita, sinfoniaorkestereita ja kuoroja huippukapellimestareiden johdolla. Kesän 2025 ohjelmiston inspiraationa ovat legendaariset tarut, eepokset, säveltäjät ja teokset.
Read more15.11.2024
Mikkelin Musiikkijuhlien konserttivieraat käyttävät konsertissa käydessään konserttilippujen oston lisäksi keskimäärin kaksisataa euroa alueen palveluiden ja tuotteiden ostoon. Konserttivieraiden kokonaiskulutuskysynnän kasvu oli vuoden 2024 juhlaviikon aikana suorina ostoina alueen palveluihin ja tuotteisiin keskimäärin noin 860 000 euroa.
Read more14.8.2024
Katso konserttitallenne Sinfonia Orkesteri Vivon ja Orkester Nordenin konsertista Lahdesta!
Read more9.8.2024
Teemme tutkimusta Mikkelein Musiikkijuhlien aluetaloudellisista vaikutuksista, sekä vaikutuksista Mikkelin elinvoimaan. Tutkimuksella on suuri merkitys festivaalin suunnittelu- ja kehitystyölle.
Read more8.8.2024
Mikkelin Musiikkijuhlat avaa lipunmyynnin osaan 2025 konserteista
Read more30.7.2024
Musiikkijuhlat lähestyy! Listasimme viimehetken tärpit festivaaliviikolle ja onnistuneeseen vierailuun Mikkelissä.
Read more29.7.2024
Ticket office opening hours and locations.
Read more29.7.2024
Mikkelin Musiikkijuhlat tuovat tänäkin vuonna laajan kattauksen kiinnostavia puheenvuoroja ja upeaa musiikkia Kauppakeskus Stellan Tähtitorille!
Read more15.7.2024
Musiikkijuhlien On the Move-kiertue tarjoaa erilaisen musiikkikokemuksen eri puolilla Etelä-Savoa 29.7.-1.8. välisenä aikana. Kyseessä on festivaaleilla esiintyvän lontoolaisen Philharmonia Orchestran virtuaalitodellisuus kokemus, jossa pääsee kokemaan konsertin sen parhailta paikoilta eli orkesterin kanssa lavalta.
Read more29.6.2024
Tutustu artikkelista Osuuskaupan asiakasomistajan konserttietuihin, S-ryhmän vapaapääsyisiin On the move! -konsertteihin sekä Mikkelin Musiikkijuhlien aikana palveleviin ravintoloihin.
Read more14.6.2024
On the Move! -konserttisarja tuo jälleen Mikkelin Musiikkijuhlat lähelle kuulijoita Mikkelin seudun kartanoihin, ravintoloihin ja kauppakeskuksiin. Tarjolla on tuttuun tapaan laadukasta musiikkia pääosin ilmaisissa tapahtumissa Pieksämäeltä Ristiinaan. 2024–2026 Veej’jakaja- & Leader-hanketuen saanut On the Move! toimii Mikkelin seudulla kulttuuritoimijoita ja -yhteisöjä yhdistävänä voimana.
Read more1.5.2024
Suuret orkesterit, kuorot ja taidokkaat solistit tarjoilevat sekä tuttua että tuoretta taidemusiikkia.
Read more26.3.2024
The 4.8 concert will feature game music for all tastes, from new to retro games. Come and jump into the amazing soundscapes of game music!
Read more25.3.2024
Mikkeli Music Festival Summer 2024 offers a rich array of vocal art, from Waltteri Torika's church concert to Iris Candelaria's song recital to the Philharmonia Orchestra's opera gala conducted by Ville Matvejeff.
Read more26.1.2024
The Mikkeli Region Tourism Service awarded the Mikkeli Music Festival with the Tourism Achievement of the Year 2023 award for its phenomenal renewal and success. This recognition, together with the Festival of the Year 2023 title, demonstrates how a cultural event can have not only great artistic value but also great regional economic significance.
Read more29.12.2023
Mikkeli Music Festival has appointed Master of Arts Mirva Helske as Festival Director. Helske will start her employment 1 January 2024.
Read more15.12.2023
In addition to the previously released orchestral concerts, the Game Music Collective and chamber musicians from Finland and the UK will be in the spotlight. The theme of the festival is Ode to Joy.
Read more17.8.2023
Erinomaisesti sujunut yhteistyö saa jatkoa.
Read more2.8.2023
Illan solistina esiintyy sopraano Miina-Liisa Värelä
Read more31.7.2023
Vuonna 2024 Mikkelin Musiikkijuhlat soivat eurooppalaisille arvoille.
Read more29.7.2023
Conductor Aliisa Neige Barrière and composer Luukas Hiltunen awarded 1 000 € and a concert in 2024 festival
Read more28.7.2023
Free entrance
Read more27.4.2023
25.4.2023
3.4.2023
Unfortunately, the concert Moments of Love is cancelled.
Read more17.3.2023
Mikkeli Music Festival has appointed Mikko Leppänen, Bachelor of Economics, Master of Music, as the Festival Director of the Music Festival.
Read more15.3.2023
Sääntömääräinen vuosikokous pidetään tiistaina 28.03.2023 klo 16.00 Konsertti- ja kongressitalo Mikaelissa, Sointukatu 1, Mikkeli.
Read more21.2.2023
Mikkeli Music Festival has appointed conductor Erkki Lasonpalo as the artistic director of the Music Festival. Lasonpalo takes over the position immediately, and the artistic director's term of office extends to the end of the 2026 Festival Week.
Read more16.2.2023
The international Scan Magazine praises the festival full of concerts of international top musicians in its article.
Read more9.2.2023
Teemu Laasanen, who has been the festival director of the Mikkeli Music Festival since 2018, will fully take over the management of the company he has founded, MusicFairyTales MFT, of which he is the CEO.
Read more28.11.2022
The Board of Finland Festivals has named the Mikkeli Music Festival as Festival of the Year 2023.
Read more28.11.2022
The theme of summer 2023 is Licence to Love. Love is explored in concerts from different perspectives.
Read more24.11.2022
Founded thirty years ago, the Mikkeli Music Festival has renewed its operating model this summer and is preparing to grow rapidly in the coming years.
Read more7.10.2022
Mikkeli Music Festival signed a four-year cooperation agreement with Philharmonia Orchestra of London
Read more