Susanne Helasvuo

I violin

Growing up in a family of musicians means growing up in a life full of music. I never actually chose to pursue music as a career; it simply seemed the only thing to do. The key influences in my violin studies were Ari Angervo and Chaim Taub.

There are three areas of music that are particularly dear to me. The first is opera, which has stayed with me since the age of eleven when I appeared in a child role in The Red Line by Aulis Sallinen. I later joined the Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera, and have played in the Savonlinna Opera Festival Orchestra for many years.

The second is orchestral music; it was my dream even as a child to play in an orchestra. I was fortunate to be able to join the Avanti! Chamber Orchestra at an early age, as this was an excellent course of instruction in being a versatile musician. One of the most important factors in why I applied for the Tapiola Sinfonietta was that I was already familiar with many of the musicians of the newly founded orchestra.

The third area of music where I feel particularly at home is early music. I trained as a Baroque musician with the Battalia ensemble.

I am intrigued by the diversity of performing with different musical communities. It is the easiest way of ensuring that one finds refreshing new approaches. It gives me energy that I can share with my colleagues and with our wonderful audiences.

I enjoy sailing in the Archipelago Sea and traveling in Finland’s lakeland. Silence and the sounds of nature are the most meditative music there is!