Petri Sakari is one of the most distinguised Finnish conductors of his generation and an active promoter of music of Nordic composers.

From 1983 onwards Petri Sakari began to undertake professional engagements with various Finnish symphony orchestras, beginning with the Vaasa City Orchestra; this was followed by regular engagements with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra and the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra.

Following successful appearances outside Finland Sakari was appointed chief conductor and music director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra in 1988. With this orchestra he made highly acclaimed recordings of Scandinavian music for Chandos label and complete symphonies by Sibelius for Naxos label. From 1993 Sakari continued as the orchestra’s principal guest conductor. From 1996 to 1998 he worked again as the music director. Sakari’s relationship with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra has remained intense throughout the years. In 2011 he conducted the opening concert of the new Reykjavik Concert Hall Harpa.