Mikko Ivars (b.1971) studied at the Sibelius Academy under Martti Rousi, graduating in 1995 with honours. He then continued his studies with Arto Noras, Boris Pergamenchikov, Ralph Kirshbaum and Truls Mørk, among others, at various master classes. Ivars graduated with a Master of Music degree in 2000.

In addition to his own concerts, Ivars has made recordings and radio recordings as a member of various chamber ensembles. As a chamber musician he has also performed at the most important Finnish music festivals, in most European countries, as well as in Russia, Turkey, Mexico, USA and Japan.

Since 2003 Ivars has been with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra. He is also the solo soloist of the Virtuosi di Kuhmo chamber orchestra and a busy musician with Avanti! He also has solo experience with the above-mentioned orchestras.

Ivars is the founder and artistic director of the Hauho Music Festival. In 2011 Ivars was awarded the City of Hämeenlinna Culture Prize.

In recent years Ivars has also made string quartet arrangements for recordings by Samae Koskinen, Veeti Kallio, Meri Vahtera and others.