– Erica Jeal, The Guardian, 16 January 2007
Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto is one of the most versatile and distinctive musicians working today. Always demonstrating his extraordinary individuality and imagination, Pekka is unusually free and fluid in his approach and has been acclaimed for the spontaneity and freshness in his playing.
Pekka is increasingly seen directing ensembles from the violin. “It’s about being a chamber musician, just like the other players. It’s the best way of ensuring there’s good communication between everyone on stage. When I direct, I get feedback straight from the musicians and develop individual relationships with them”.
Setting Pekka apart from most other violinists of his generation is his desire and ability to improvise and his love of playing many different styles of music, channelling the same intensity into each genre. “Playing folk, jazz, electronic music and improvising as well as classical music has really given me the relationship I have with my violin. It has taught me that a fiddle is not something to control – if you want to play in a free way you have to feel free and most folk musicians I know would agree. They couldn’t play the Sibelius Concerto to save their lives, but they are some of the happiest musicians I know.”
- Richard Morrison, The Times, 2 February 2007
