Marja Talka

Oboe, sub-principal

I began playing the oboe at the Lappeenranta Music Institute at the age of nine, in 1981, inspired by Timo Lehtonen. The music classes at school engaged in a fruitful collaboration with the Music Institute, and there were plenty of opportunities in Lappeenranta to play with wind bands and chamber ensembles.

I entered the Junior Department of the Sibelius Academy in 1987 and continued to the music performance degree programme, which I completed in 2001. My teachers included Sven-Erik Paananen, Jorma Valjakka, Jouko Teikari and Aale Lindgren, who encouraged me to apply for the Tapiola Sinfonietta. I was accepted in 1994.

I am happy to have been a part of the Tapiola Sinfonietta for 25 years. Over this period, I have learned to know my colleagues well and have acquired in-depth musical experiences. I find it exciting that we have such a varied repertoire. I enjoy playing Bach, Schumann and Mozart. My job includes playing the cor anglais and the oboe d’amore. I particularly like the cor anglais, perhaps because of its low range. I also enjoy crossovers with other branches of the arts and feel that audience outreach work is particularly meaningful.

I gain energy from my family, from everyday things and from exercise. In addition to classical music, I listen to popular music for instance when running. I also enjoy gardening, because you see the results of your work immediately.