Boris Sirpo

Boris Osipovich Sirpo (April 3, 1893 – January 25, 1967) was a Russian-born Finnish violinist, conductor, composer, and music educator. He was the founder of what is now the Lahti Conservatory in Lahti, Finland, as well as the Portland Chamber Orchestra.

Early life and education

Boris Sirpo was born as Boris Osipovich Kaufman in Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia, Russia, on April 3, 1893. He studied music throughout Europe, including with Jean Sibelius, before making his debut with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra in 1912.

Early career

Sirpo established the Viipuri Conservatory ("Viipurin Musiikkiopisto") in Vyborg in 1918, and served as its director until 1939.

Photograph of the Viipuri Chamber Orchestra, circa 1920s; Sirpo is seated in the middle.

World War II and move to the United States

Sirpo fostered and taught Heimo Haitto. As the Viipuri Conservatory was destroyed during the Winter War,

Boris and his wife, Greta Sirpo, moved to Portland, Oregon in October 1941, where Boris began to teach lessons. In 1945, he accepted a faculty position at the Lewis & Clark College. In 1946, Sirpo founded the Portland Chamber Orchestra, today the oldest chamber orchestra in the United States. He also founded the all-female Little Portland Chamber Orchestra in 1953.

Awards and honors

During his lifetime, Boris Sirpo received the following awards and honors: Commander of the Order of Saint Stanislaus First Class Knight of the Order of the White Rose of Finland

Sirpo was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Lewis & Clark College in 1963.