Riitta Pesola

Cello, principal (solo cello)

My cello career began with studies at the Kotka Music Institute, continuing at the Sibelius Academy and at the Juilliard School of Music in New York. I found my professional home with the Tapiola Sinfonietta in its very first auditions in autumn 1986. The orchestra has had a huge impact on my music-making personality. Apart from playing orchestral music, I have been able to perform a lot of chamber music in various ensembles at home and abroad.

Family life and growth with my children has been almost as demanding as my growth as a musician. Now that our children have gone their separate ways, I have more time for two of my favourite pastimes: riding and cooking. Both have parallels with my work as a cellist: being strong yet relaxed and having a sense of rhythm are great benefits when communicating with a horse, and good cooking depends on instants of creativity. Like a successful concert, good food also disappears fast, but the positive feeling it gives lingers for a long time.