Percussionist Virva Kuusi started her musical career playing the piano, but when it proved to be too complicated, she switched over to percussion at the age of 8 after falling in love with the kettle drums at Lahti Symphony Orchestra’s concerts. Kuusi continued her studies at the Sibelius Academy’s Junior Academy. She later moved on to professional studies at the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and the Sibelius Academy. In 2014–2015, Kuusi studied at the Escuela Superior de Musica de Catalunya in Barcelona.
Kuusi has served as the principal percussionist of the Finnish National Opera since 2015. She enjoys playing in various chamber music ensembles and as an assistant in other professional orchestras in the capital region, provided that she can find the time from her work. In her spare time, she enjoys trying out different sports with varying degrees of success, playing outside with her dog and listening to anything but classical music.
Moments in Time
17.6.
In Naantali, the annual cycle does not follow familiar paths. Uneven rhythms and fiery pace take over Sebastian Fagerlund’s Octet and Astor Piazzolla’s Winter, while Vernon Duke takes a Broadway bathed in light to a Paris in spring. Experimental music master George Crumb’s haunting Music for a Summer Evening resonates with every listener.
