Helsinki-based Finnish cellist Lauri Kankkunen (born 1990) chose the cello as his instrument when he was five, because the violin was, as he then said, too high and the piano rattled too much. Nowadays he is very happy that his dear childhood hobby has become his profession. He is a versatile musician who feels at home as both soloist, chamber musician, teacher and orchestra principal. As a soloist Lauri has played with for example Helsinki Philharmonic and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and with conductors such as Susanna Mälkki and Jan Söderblom. As a devoted chamber musician he has performed in most Finnish festivals and most European countries. In addition, in 2019 he joined Apolyptica – a Finnish heavy metal band of classically-trained cellists – for its world tour taking in some 50 concerts. Lauri Kankkunen is the 1st solo cellist of Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. Before his current position he has served as both 2nd solo cellist and a tutti cellist in the same orchestra and as co-principal cello in Tampere Filharmonia. As a guest solo cellist he has worked in most Finnish orchestras. He enjoys teaching a lot and currently teaches at Länsi-Helsingin Musiikkiopisto in Helsinki. Lauri’s most influential teachers are professors Truls Mørk, Martti Rousi and Pauli Heikkinen. Important mentors at master classes include Frans Helmerson, David Geringas and Ivan Monighetti. Lauri Kankkunen plays on an anonymous 18th-century Italian cello generously on loan to him from the City of Helsinki. The cello was previously owned by emeritus solo cellist of Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and has thus been part of the orchestra already since 1980´s. Kankkunen is quite obsessed with winter swimming. His other interests include pizza baking, good quality espresso and football. Last modified: March 2023