Ossi Tanner

Helsingin Sanomat calls him a romantic virtuoso, Aamulehti praises his Beethoven interpretation as one of an experienced master, Rondo Classic describes his sound as romantic. Almost unanimously critics have named Ossi Tanner a piano poet whose touch is at the same time heavy but soft, bright, singing, inspired, and imaginative - in a word, lyrical. This is no wonder since both his pianistic ideals and his outlook on life rely on the attainment of a profound state of flow, freedom of interpretation, and seizing the moment.

As a soloist, Tanner visits frequently nearly all of Finland’s most respected orchestras, such as the Helsinki Phil, Finnish Radio, and Tampere Philharmonic. He has worked with renowned conductors from Sakari Oramo to Joshua Weilerstein, Nicholas Collon, and Eiji Oue, Klaus Mäkelä to Hannu Lintu, Tarmo Peltokoski and Susanna Mälkki.

Tanner has made a big impression at music festivals in Kuhmo, Turku, Naantali and Mänttä, PianoEspoo, Helsinki Seriös and Lahti Sibelius Festival. As the Artist-in-Residence of the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, Tanner performed Chopin’s Piano Concerto and Brahms’ Piano Quintet in one evening.

Tanner has performed in over ten European countries, as well as in Israel, Canada, and the United States. 

From 2021, Tanner has been the Artistic Director of the Kamarikesä Festival held at the House of Nobility in Helsinki together with Abel Puustinen and Klaara Vasara.

Tanner, who spent his childhood in the United States and Belgium, began playing the piano at the age of six in Sirpa Heikkilä's classes. After moving to Finland Tanner's artistry rose to a new level. He began his studies with Junio Kimanen who guided him towards the soundtrack of his childhood. Kimanen also introduced Tanner to the legendary Konstantin Bogino whose classes he attended in Paris. At the Paris Conservatoire (CNSMDP), Tanner's teacher was Professor Michel Dalberto. Niklas Pokki, and Paavali Jumppanen have also made a great impression on Tanner's artistic image. In recent years, Tanner has studied at the Sibelius Academy with professors Erik T. Tawaststjerna and Matti Raekallio, and at the Manhattan School of Music, with Dr. Marc Silverman.

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"For soloist Ossi Tanner, the concert provided an opportunity for brilliantly soaring bravura, fierce motoric unleashing and sometimes also sparkling reverie."

Hannu-Ilari Lampila, Helsingin Sanomat 21.1.2023

"This pianist handles the instrument's resources with convincing logic, for which his motoric abilities also provide abundant opportunities."

Matti Asikainen, Jyväskylä Sinfonia, Keskisuomalainen 15.9.2021

"Tanner has a soul connection with his composer, and he approached Chopin's pianism from just the right angle: letting the concerto sing with a soft sigh and without unnecessary brilliance. He immersed himself instinctively in the young composer's intimate world."

Auli Särkiö-Pitkänen, Sibelius Hall, Etelä-Suomen Sanomat 22.2.2018

"This romantic virtuoso's playing sparkled with all the technical brilliance required, but importantly, he has the ability to make his touch sing and carry with clarity. His poetry was finely controlled, while at the same time creating an impression of youthful spontaneity."

Hannu-Ilari Lampila, Helsingin Sanomat 7.5.2017

"As a musician, Tanner is a great communicator with a unique ability to address the listener directly. These are the tools that go a long way!"

Harri Hautala, Aamulehti 6.5.2017

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