Hanna Juutilainen

Flute, principal

Varkaus, my home town in childhood and youth, offered an excellent infrastructure for musical pursuits in the 1970s. The musical scene was abundant relative to the population of the town. There were several orchestras and choirs giving regular concerts and inspiring professionals, amateurs and young people of all ages to do things together. This sense of community is what I most miss today.

My studies took me via the Kuopio Conservatory to the Sibelius Academy, where after twists and turns I graduated in 1991. At that time, you could study at your own pace and get sidetracked at will. Apart from the flute, I undertook basic studies in the piano, voice, rhythm instruments and composition, to name but a few. All this has benefited me in my present position playing flute with the Tapiola Sinfonietta.

I was fortunate in that I was successful in my first audition and in that I have been able to play with the same orchestra for my entire professional career. Teaching and constantly studying new things have augmented my profile as a musician. Contemporary music and working with composers is very important. I also have an interest in period instruments and have sometimes found time to play them. I own a growing score library, and I once conducted an actual orchestra in public. I have yet to make good on my talk of starting to play the drums again, but it is not forgotten. There is not a lot of time left over after all this, but what time there is I like to use for cooking.