Pasi Kauppinen

Viola

My musical career began at the moment when I borrowed my grandfather’s violin. I began my studies at the Lappeenranta Music Institute, where I later switched to the viola at the suggestion of Leader Kalevi Tarvainen. I was enchanted with the lovely dark sound of the viola, and gradually my choice of career became clear.

I went on to study with Eija Hirvonen, Jouko Mansnerus and Atso Lehto at the Sibelius Academy and later with Daniel Benyamin in Israel. The Tapiola Sinfonietta seemed like an interesting orchestra and also a challenging job, which is what I was looking for. I felt I could learn new things there. I have played viola with the Tapiola Sinfonietta since 1988.

My free time includes outdoor recreation, volunteering for a missionary charity and playing chess and frisbee golf with my friends. My summers include cottage stays and hiking, for instance in Lapland. These and my faith give me strength in life.

What I enjoy the most at work is the sense of contributing to a common goal and doing things together. The Tapiola Sinfonietta has an abundance of this. The combination of skills and passion is very rewarding.