ERKKI LAHESMAA (Helsinki University of the Arts Sibelius Academy)
12 April @11.00-14.00 in B-302

Erkki Lahesmaa studied cello at the Juilliard School, Yale University, and Turku Conservatory with esteemed teachers such as Aldo Parisot, Zara Nelsova, and Harvey Shapiro. He won the Juilliard competition in 1990 and debuted at New York’s Avery Fisher Hall the same year.

Lahesmaa has performed widely as a soloist and chamber musician across Europe, North and South America, and Japan, appearing at festivals like Warsaw Autumn and Berliner Festspiele’s MaerzMusik. An active interpreter of contemporary music, he has premiered numerous works by Finnish composers. He has been a member of ensembles such as Artisti del Mondo, Coryton, Plus Ensemble, and the Ad Libitum piano trio. His recording with Plus Ensemble won Finland’s Emma Award for Best Classical Album in 2010.

Lahesmaa is Head of Strings and Chamber Music at the Sibelius Academy and has previously taught at the Turku Arts Academy. He frequently serves on competition juries and gives master classes worldwide.

He is also the Artistic Director of the Nauvo Chamber Music Festival in Finland.