English | Maano Männi│Violin

Biography

Maano Männi is an outstanding musician whose heartfelt performance provided the audience with an extraordinary experience.

VASABLADET

Maano Männi is a renowned violinist, Principal Concertmaster, and conductor. Based in Finland and Estonia, Männi has performed widely across Europe and beyond, collaborating with celebrated orchestras, conductors, and musicians. His artistry reflects both skill and a passion for innovative programming, earning him recognition as a versatile and dynamic musician.

Männi has held several prestigious positions throughout his career. From 1993 to 1996, he was a founding member and Concertmaster of the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra. Simultaneously, he served as the Principal Concertmaster of the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra from 1993 to 2000. Since 2002, he has been the Principal Concertmaster of the Vaasa City Orchestra in Finland.

A passionate chamber musician, Männi has performed with renowned artists such as Camilla Nylund (soprano) Ralf Gothoni (piano), Torleif Thedéen (cello), Yuval Gotlibovich (viola), and Kalev Kuljus (oboe). In 2001, he founded the Tobias String Quartet, performing in major venues across Europe, including the Konzerthaus Berlin in 2015. His chamber music collaborations also extend to groups like Camerata Nordica (Sweden) and the Nyyd Ensemble.

Männi has appeared as a soloist with numerous prestigious orchestras under the direction of esteemed conductors such as Neeme Järvi, Alexander Vedernikov, Andrey Boreyko, and Arvo Volmer. He has an affinity for creating engaging concert programs, including school concerts, senior outreach performances, and thematic events like Flamenco, Tango Nuevo, and Tchaikovsky’s Portrait. These innovative efforts have been well-received by diverse audiences in Finland and Estonia.

In recent years, Männi has explored conducting, studying with renowned mentors Jorma Panula, Leonid Grin, and Ilmar Tõnisson. He has conducted ensembles including the Vaasa City Orchestra, the Pärnu City Orchestra, and the Glasperlenspiel Sinfonietta. Notably, in 2015, he conducted the Sinfonietta in a series of concerts celebrating composer Evald Vain, recorded for Estonian Television.

Männi's discography includes critically acclaimed recordings for labels like Erdenklang, Ondine, and Alba Records. His 2012 album, Kuus aastaaega+ (Six Seasons+), features works by Astor Piazzolla and Evald Vain performed with the Pärnu City Orchestra. It received high praise, with critics calling it "a must-have for every record shelf" (Sirp, 2013). His 2014 recording with the Vaasa City Orchestra showcases his orchestration of Toivo Kuula’s Notturno Op.30a/2.

In addition to performing, Männi contributes to the musical community as a writer and artistic director. He has published insightful reviews in Teater.Muusika.Kino and served as Artistic Director of the Tallinn Chamber Music Festival from 2020 to 2022, garnering acclaim for its high artistic standards and diverse programming. In 2023, he also created the Toivo Kuula Days in Vaasa, Finland.

Männi performs on a violin crafted in 1942 by Rodolfi Fredi "Ex Carmirelli". His dedication in performance, education, and artistic leadership continues to inspire audiences and musicians alike.