Eskelinen has performed at venues such as the Berlin Philharmonic, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, the Royal Festival Hall and the Théâtre de la Monnaie. As an orchestral soloist he has played with Sakari Oramo, Hannu Lintu and John Storgårds Recent soloist engagements include the BBC Symphony Orchestra in London, NWD Philharmonie in Germany and concerts with leading Finnish orchestras.

Eskelinen plays music from the 16th century to the present day and has been praised for both his interpretations of Bach and his intense performances of works by contemporary composers. He has premiered concertos composed for him by Kalevi Aho, Jukka Tiensuu and Sebastian Fagerlund and has collaborated with Olli Mustonen, Einojuhani Rautavaara and Aulis Sallinen. He is an active chamber musician and a regular guest on several festivals such as Naantali and Moritzburg and has performed at festivals in e.g. Dresden, Mainz, Holstebro and Büsingen.

Ismo Eskelinen’s numerous recordings have been a success worldwide. He has been the artistic director of the Sonkajärvi Soi Festival in Finland since 1992 and the artistic director of the Riihimäki summer concerts 2017-2023. He is the Lecturer-in-charge of Guitar at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.