Frans Oskar Merikanto (until 1882 Mattsson; 5.8. 1868 Helsinki – 17.2. 1924 Oitti) was a Finnish composer, musician, conductor and teacher.

Unlike his contemporary Jean Sibelius, Oskar Merikanto tended towards a simpler and more folk-like expression. He became one of the most beloved Finnish composers among the people.

Merikanto received private tuition from the organist and composer Lauri Hämäläinen, until, with the support of Aurora Karamzin, he was able to study in Leipzig for the years 1887–1889. After this, Merikanto studied in Berlin under Albert Becker in the years 1890–1891. In 1892, he was elected to the position of organist of St. John’s Church, where he served until his death. Merikanto, who also toured Finland as a pianist, in addition to his work, inspected organs installed in churches around Finland and taught organ playing in Helsinki, also publishing textbooks on the subject.

Oskar Merikanto was involved in founding the Finnish Opera in 1911 and served as its first conductor from 1911–1922. The work Pohjan neiti, which Merikanto submitted to the composition competition, was the first Finnish-language opera. He also served as a long-term music critic for Päivälehti (later Helsingin Sanomat).