Joonatan Rautiola

Saxophonist, singer and interdisciplinary artist Joonatan Rautiola’s musical personality has been shaped by encounters with diverse artists and genres. His versatile career spans various projects with composers, actors, choreographers, and circus artists, leading to performances on prestigious stages and beyond.

Rautiola has collaborated with renowned ensembles such as the Strasbourg Philharmonic, Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra, and Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra. He has also partnered with author-director Alain Foix and physical theatre group Kallo Collective. His performances have graced events like the Lucerne Festival and prestigious venues such as Salle Pleyel and Carnegie Hall.

As a member of the Aava Saxophone Quartet and Uusinta Ensemble, Joonatan explores different musical expressions. His long-standing duo with pianist Marko Hilpo has delighted international audiences for over two decades.

A passionate educator and advocate of a holistic pedagogical approach, Joonatan Rautiola is Lecturer in Saxophone Music at the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, where he leads an international saxophone studio.

Discover more about Joonatan’s musical journey and accomplishments in his full biography

Full Biography

…immensely talented saxophonist … there did not seem to be anything he could not do with the instrument.”

Finlandia Weekly, Lee Alperin

Videos

Media

Appearances

  • 27 & 29 January
    • Ritz (Vaasa) & G18 hall (Helsinki), Finland
    • Vaasa baroque: Earthly angels – Passion
    • Works by Cozzolani, Badalla, Caccini & Virtaperko (premieres)
    • With Kajsa Dahlbäck, soprano & Kristiina Helin, stage direction ao.

  • 10-14 February
    • Masterclasses in Europe:
    • Hochschule für Musik und Tanz, Cologne, Germany
    • Conservatoire de Paris, France

  • 9 March
    • Temppeliaukio Church, Helsinki, Finland
    • with EMO Ensemble, dir. Pasi Hyökki
    • Hillborg: The Breathing of the World

  • 4 May
    • Estonian Science Academy, Tallinn
    • with Johan Randvere, piano, featuring Uku Gross, saxophone
    • Works by Debussy, Hindemith, Tubin & Sibelius

  • 29 May
    • Helsinki Music Centre Camerata Hall, Finland
    • Soikoon! New ensemble works
    • With Uusinta Ensemble
    • Works by Jin Oh & Mathias Waenerberg ao.

  • 30 May
    • House of Nobility, Helsinki, Finland
    • with Matilda Kärkkäinen, piano
    • Works by Debussy and Schmitt

  • 3 June
    • Helsinki Music Centre Camerata Hall, Finland
    • Video recordings of Miika Hyytiäinen’s new works
    • With Maritta Manner, piano

  • 5-6 June
    • Arabia kaikuu festival, Helsinki, Finland
    • with Maritta Manner, piano
    • Works by Miika Hyytiäinen (premieres), Heta Aho, Aarre Merikanto

  • 17-28 July
    • Université Européenne de saxophone de Gap
    • Concert with Fumie Ito, piano & masterclass
    • Works by Debussy, Hindemith, Telemann, Tubin, Sibelius

  • 15-24 August
    • Académie Internationale de saxophone de Bretagne
    • Concerts and masterclass