Sauli Zinovjev

Sauli Zinovjev has established an internationally respected reputation as a composer of large-scale orchestral works. His catalogue already includes an impressive body of compositions. Zinovjev’s second violin concerto, The World Bearer (2025), is a skilfully crafted and distinguished representative of its genre. The concerto was commissioned and premiered by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, with the solo part performed by the multi-award-winning violinist Nikita Boriso-Glebsky.

This distinctly expressive work possesses a strong personal voice and a highly communicative character. The composer makes masterful use of the full colour palette of the symphony orchestra. The concerto is tailored for a first-rate soloist and fully exploits the capabilities of the virtuoso solo violin. The result is a compelling and fast-paced journey through both rhythmic and dreamlike landscapes.

Sauli Zinovjev (b. 1988) played guitar in rock bands before his path led towards contemporary classical music and composition studies at the Sibelius Academy. Zinovjev’s works have been performed by Finnish and Nordic orchestras, as well as by several of the world’s leading ensembles, including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. His concertos have been premiered by internationally acclaimed artists such as the German percussionist Vivi Vassileva and the Icelandic pianist and recipient of the 2025 Nordic Council Music Prize, Víkingur Ólafsson.