Lilli Paasikivi

Paasikivi has worked to reshape operatic structures and explore the integration of new technologies into opera. In 2019, Paasikivi launched Opera Beyond – a project designed to apply emerging technological tools to opera and ballet.^[4]

As a soloist, she has performed with major orchestras including the Berlin, London, Los Angeles, and New York Philharmonic orchestras.^[5][6][7] Her repertoire spans from Rossini's coloratura roles to central parts in Verdi and Wagner operas.^[8][9]

At the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, she appeared as the Pèlerin in Kaija Saariaho's L'Amour de loin.^[10] At the Aix-en-Provence Festival she sang in the world premiere of Toshio Hosokawa's Hanjo and also performed in Sir Simon Rattle's Ring project with the Berlin Philharmonic as Fricka,^[9] a role she later sang at the Hamburg State Opera conducted by Simone Young.^[11] The mezzo-soprano roles of Wagner's Ring Cycle have been a central focus of her career, performed with conductors including Sir Simon Rattle, Simone Young, Susanna Mälkki, and Hannu Lintu.^{[12][11][13][14]}

In addition to her operatic career, Paasikivi has been active as a festival director. She founded the "Sydänkesän säveliä" festival in Kisko, Southwest Finland, in 2016,^[3] and served as artistic director of the Pyhäniemi Manor concert series from 2010 to 2015.^[3]

Paasikivi also works internationally as an expert in opera and classical music. She has served on juries of major competitions and, beginning in 2025, is a member of the board of Opera Europa.^[15][16]

• 2008 – Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland^[17]
• 2017 – Commander's Badge of the Order of the Lion of Finland^[17]

Paasikivi has been married to violinist Jaakko Ilves since 1997; they have two children.^[1]