Antti Rislakki

Timpani, principal

At the age of six, I announced that I wanted to play drums and xylophone. I have no idea how I came up with that notion, because in Valkeakoski in the 1970s there were no role models for this sort of thing. It was not until studying in Tampere and in Toronto that I finally decided that music would be a career for me. The main impulse towards orchestral music came from the Vivo Youth Symphony Orchestra. The first orchestral work in which I played was Sibelius’s First Symphony. Suddenly everything became clear!

Towards the end of my studies, I auditioned for several orchestras around Finland. In 2000, the Tapiola Sinfonietta created a post for a timpani player, and I recall thinking that that would be the ideal place for me. Despite this self-induced pressure, I auditioned successfully and was appointed the Tapiola Sinfonietta’s first-ever permanent percussionist.

I like to play and listen to all kinds of music. For me, all music is equal, just as percussion instruments from all cultures are equal in value and equally interesting. I also keep fit with beach volley, skiing, walking and ice swimming. I also like to cook!

Learning new things and teaching new things are inspiring. Teaching at the Sibelius Academy is a natural extension of my work as a musician. What I enjoy most about my work is the wordless cooperation and instantaneous responses that are extremely hard to describe in words.