Project Overview
Oulunsalo Ensemble, founded in 2007 by Finnish violinist and orchestra pedagogue Sinikka Ala-Leppilampi, operates as a master-apprentice model orchestra. It actively collaborates with local congregations and educational institutions while fostering both national and international connections. It also organizes the annual Hailuoto Music Festival.
Services Involved
Jukka Linkola
Composer
In 2017, a new Finnish opera, Abraham’s Feast, premiered in Liminka. I am the composer of the opera and closely followed the entire event and its preparation period. In 2018, the production was brought to the Helsinki Music Centre, where it was performed twice. A significant change in the production was the transition from a beautiful outdoor theater to a dark indoor venue. This required major and inventive efforts in terms of visualization. In particular, the use of video as a set element in Helsinki was something entirely new.
Eero Karvonen played an exceptionally diverse role in these performances: as an event producer, graphic designer, video creator and editor, as well as the developer of the orchestral backing track used in rehearsals.
This virtual orchestra production was built by Eero from the composition’s Sibelius files. He mixed and designed the backing track, carefully selecting high-quality samples for each instrument. The resulting orchestration sounded remarkably rich and colorful. This was an immense help in staging the work, especially in rehearsing Jouni Prittinen’s impressive choreography. Practicing a dance choreography with only piano accompaniment is not particularly rewarding, and since there was no orchestral recording of the premiere production, having a well-crafted orchestral track was crucial for structuring the stage movement and its proper rhythm.
Eero’s versatile expertise and comprehensive understanding of a newly rehearsed production benefited all participants throughout the entire working process. His approach is calm, cooperative, and constructive, which greatly facilitated adapting the production – originally designed for the cultural park in Liminka – to a completely different venue, the massive Helsinki Music Centre.
Karvonen’s talent encompasses professional ingenuity and an exceptionally broad artistic sensibility. These were essential factors in the success of both performances of my opera. His contribution as a single individual was invaluable!
I wholeheartedly recommend Eero Karvonen’s work in all its aspects.
Markus Vaara
Pianist, Répétiteur, Conductor
I first met Eero Karvonen at the reception after a piano recital. I was immediately impressed by his ability to discuss a wide range of topics with deep expertise. I wanted to get to know him and his way of thinking. That wish has come true: I have had the pleasure of working with Eero, especially in the field of music, for several years.
I have performed as a pianist, harpsichordist, organist, and conductor at the Hailuoto Music Festival, which he produces, as well as in concerts and tours of the Oulunsalo Ensemble orchestra. The organization and logistics of these events have been flawless; on a level usually reached only by large, publicly funded organizations made up of specialists from multiple fields.
Eero’s concert recordings have also been a great joy to me. His audio work makes everything sound natural, giving the listener the sensation of being in the same room with the live music. Even with large ensembles, his video editing precisely follows the drama of the music, revealing fine details.
In his work, Eero combines expertise and skill with a rare breadth. He is truly a one-man production company. I can warmly and without hesitation recommend him for any position or project.
Sami Junnonen
Concert Flautist
Eero Karvonen is synonymous with a meditative state in music recording. His ability to create a pleasant atmosphere and provide space for the performing musician’s artistry during a recording session is exceptional. The final production is always meticulous and refined.
Eero’s versatility also extends to the demanding field of cultural production. His ability to integrate various tasks results in a comprehensive and effective whole, reflecting his dedication and deep engagement in his field.
Yotam Baruch
Cello Soloist
Eero is a great example of how dedication and hands-on learning lead to genuine skill. At the Hailuoto Music Festival, he is a man of many hats: a recording engineer, an event producer, a PR agent, an interviewer, and last but not least a composer. With his vast musical and general education, Eero would be an invaluable asset to any organization that engaged his talents. He has my strongest support.
Nimrod Borenstein
Composer & Conductor, London
I had a wonderful week making music at the Hailuoto Music Festival from start to end. It was a pleasure to conduct the orchestra, while the producer Eero Karvonen did a fantastic job ensuring that our great work was recorded for posterity!
When the music magazine Gramophone asked me to recommend a recent video of me conducting of my music for their “Video of the Day,” I had no hesitation in proposing the video Eero had produced of the performance of my cello concerto at the festival.
Susanna Rigacci
Ennio Morricone's Primo Soprano
Professor of Vocal Technique, Italy
I encountered Eero Karvonen, the producer of the Hailuoto Music Festival, in 2018 when I was invited to perform a concert in the beautiful Church of Hailuoto. We recorded an interview in a lovely Nordic house and I still remember this moment with great pleasure.
During my stay I had the possibility to spend time with Eero and I was very impressed by his smart and strong personality and kindness. My stay in Hailuoto was amazing thanks to him and the perfect organization of the Festival!
Dhyani & Kristoffer Gylling
Violin-Piano Duo
We have had very good experiences working with Eero Karvonen as a sound engineer and producer. He is very efficient and a wonderful person to collaborate with!
François Pineau-Benois
Concert Violinist & Professor
Rachmaninoff Conservatory, Paris
I strongly support Eero Karvonen. He is an excellent audiovisual engineer and a talented composer. Working on projects with him and playing his music is always a pleasure.
Markojuhani Rautavaara
Singer-Songwriter & Artistic Director
The Hailuoto Music Festival
Eero is reliable, sticks to agreed schedules, and delivers quality work. I strongly recommend!
My Role & Contributions
Since 2020, after producing the Hailuoto Music Festival for several years, I have expanded my collaboration with the orchestra by recording their concerts for online releases and serving as a co-producer for various performances. My role includes creating marketing materials, designing and implementing marketing strategies, and enhancing their digital presence.
Visuals
I developed Oulunsalo Ensemble’s official visual branding, including logo graphics and animations, based on original designs by Elisa Vesterbacka. Below, you can see some of the most important official motion graphics templates which form the basis for the visual identity of Oulunsalo Ensemble’s video productions.
Motion Graphics Templates
Oulunsalo Ensemble logo animation © Eero Karvonen
Horizontal edition of the Oulunsalo Ensemble logo animation © Eero Karvonen
Animation template for music title and credits © Eero Karvonen
Results
Through our collaboration, the orchestra’s reach locally and online presence have grown significantly, with their YouTube channel becoming one of the most subscribed in Finland’s classical music scene.
Audiovisual Productions of Oulunsalo Ensemble Concerts




















