– 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 fluid in his approach and has been acclaimed for the spontaneity of his playing.
Pekka is increasingly seen directing ensembles from the violin, including the London, Scottish, Irish and Zurich Chamber Orchestras. Last season, he returned to the Australian Chamber Orchestra and this season, he directs the Britten Sinfonia in a major tour of the Netherlands and UK, as well as the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, Munich Chamber Orchestra and Camerata Nordica.
Other highlights of this season include a performance of the Thomas Adès Violin Concerto under the baton of the composer himself, and his role of Resident Artist at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s “Sibelius Festival” in April 2010.
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."
Biography
Pekka interviewed in The Guardian
