Bringing young performers and composers as close as possible to the moment of creation.

Anssi Karttunen, Magnus Lindberg, and Kaija Saariaho launched Creative Dialogue in 2007 in collaboration with the Sibelius Academy. In 2022 Julian Anderson, a close friend of theirs, joined the faculty. The initiative aims to inspire young performers and composers to engage in a mutually beneficial dialogue, enriching not only themselves but also the broader music community.

During the workshop, the participating composers bring sketches that are refined collaboratively with the musician participants, who also delve into repertoire pieces by composers connected to Creative Dialogue. Improvisation workshops involve all participants. Together they confront technical, artistic, and emotional challenges under the guidance of the faculty, who serve as mentors rather than traditional teachers.

Participants are invited by recommendation of teachers from around the world, the aim being to reach individuals who may not yet realize the transformative potential of creative dialogue. Participants often find their musical horizons expanded, leading to many new lasting collaborations.