Eric-Olof Söderström

Eric-Olof Söderström began his musical studies by taking the cantor-organist diploma at the Sibelius Academy, and then went on to complete a diploma in choral conducting (1985) with Harald Andersen, Eric Ericson and Péter Edrdei as his teachers. This was followed by studies with Jorma Panula at the conducting school, from which he graduated in 1988. He has also studied orchestral conducting at masterclasses with Jussi Jalas and Arvid Jansons, and in Vienna 1988-89. Prior to his diploma in choral conducting, he founded the Suomalainen kamarikuoro (Finnish Chamber Choir). In 1985 the choir won the first prize in the EBU chamber choir competition “Let the peoples sing”.

Mr. Söderström has also worked as a choir director at the Savonlinna Opera Festival and at the National Opera. He has been artistic director of the Radio Chamber Choir and the St. Michel City Orchestra, as well as guest conductor of the Helsinki Chamber Choir (the former Radio Chamber Choir) and the Eric Ericsson Chamber Choir in Stockholm (2006-2007). At the beginning of this year, he retired from his regular position as cantor and music director in the Porvoo Swedish Cathedral Parish.