Janne Aalto

Cello

I have had the joy and privilege of growing up in a family where culture and particularly music are regarded as highly important. Turku is a city of culture with a wide range of arts to enjoy. I was also fortunate to have Timo Hanhinen as my cello teacher. He became an influential mentor and a lifelong friend.

In my youth, I discovered that my circle of friends consisted mainly of music students. They were hugely inspiring and encouraging company. My choice of career thus largely suggested itself.

Around the time when the Tapiola Sinfonietta was set up, many of my fellow students decided to try out for it, and I joined them. As Fate would have it, I was accepted, and I am thus one of the orchestra’s founding members. I listen to music as the mood dictates, from all over the spectrum, although classical music is dearest to me.

My wife is a violinist, and our three children are also involved in music, so our family is very much an artistic one. Music brings joy, passion, challenges, some stress and even some anxiety, but above all it yields energy and experiences and gives meaning to life.