Sami Leponiemi is one of the most respected saxophonists of his generation in Finland.

Born into a musical family in Oulu, Leponiemi graduated with a master's degree from the Sibelius Academy's jazz department in 2024. During his studies, he quickly rose to become one of the leading young artists in Finland's jazz scene. His academic journey included a year at the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris (CNSMDP), where composition was the focal point of his studies. Inspired by Western classical music traditions, he blends the freedom of improvisation with the structural strength of composed music in his works.

One of the highlights of his career was performing alongside jazz legend Chuck Israels in Paris and Finland in 2023. In Finland, he has collaborated with renowned jazz maestro Jukkis Uotila. Leponiemi is widely recognized as the leader of his own ensemble, the Sami Leponiemi Quartet, and as a member of groups such as Sami Saari & Jazzpojat, Sointi Jazz Orchestra, Sir Garrison, and Pasilians.

His achievements include winning 2nd place in the 2023 Markku Johansson Composition Competition and 1st place in the Huittisten Hullu Puhallus - Wind Instrument Competition in 2017.