Katedraali soi! Week Begins with Cellist Senja Rummukainen’s Solo Performance in Turku Cathedral

A Journey from Baroque to Modernity

The program of the evening is a carefully crafted musical voyage, bridging the harmonic beauty of Baroque masterpieces with the bold expressions of contemporary works. Rummukainen’s playing brings these pieces to life, offering a profound and emotional experience that captivates audiences.

"We are very happy that this concert will open the Turku Music Festival 2025. Senja Rummukainen is one of the most exciting names in classical music today and her solo cello concerto and works are truly exciting. The Katedraali soi! week is an important tradition for the Turku Music Festival and it is great that we can continue this tradition with Senja Rummukainen," says Eveliina Salminen, Sales and Marketing Manager of the Turku Music Festival.

Senja Rummukainen – A Rising Star in Classical Music

Senja Rummukainen (b. 1994) is an international star of Finnish classical music, whose expressive playing and profound musical vision have won her praise both in Finland and abroad. In season 24/25, Rummukainen made her debut with the Cleveland Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Bogotá Symphony Orchestra, among others. She will make festival debuts at the prestigious BBC Proms Festival playing Elgar's Cello Concerto with Sakari Oramo and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and at the Salzburg Easter Festival playing Esa-Pekka Salonen's Cello Concerto with the composer and the Radio Symphony Orchestra.

During her career, Rummukainen has won several major prizes, including the Turku Cello Competition (2014). Just a year later, she was a finalist in the Guilhermina Suggia Awards in Porto, and in 2019 she was a finalist in the Pyotr Tchaikovsky International Competition in St Petersburg. She has performed with many prestigious orchestras, and her playing style combines technical mastery with exceptional emotional expression.

Katedraali soi! – Music at the Heart of Turku’s History

Katedraali soi! is a highlight of Turku’s winter season, bringing warmth and inspiration during the darkest time of the year. Throughout the week, the festival presents a rich array of concerts, showcasing music from different eras and genres. The magnificent Turku Cathedral, one of Finland’s most iconic cultural landmarks, serves as a stunning backdrop, enhancing the timeless power of music.

Senja Rummukainen’s opening concert is the perfect way to launch this atmospheric week. More than just a performance, it offers a moment of pause and reflection in the midst of winter. The interplay of soft lighting, the serenity of the cathedral, and the intimate sound of the solo cello creates an experience where time seems to stand still.