Hanna Pakkala

Hanna Pakkala, born in 1985, stands out as one of her generation's most internationally active viola artists. She works as a freelance chamber musician, the lead violist of the Helsinki Baroque Orchestra, and as a guest musician in domestic and foreign ensembles. Additionally, she teaches viola at the Sibelius Academy. From 2016 to 2022, she served as the principal violist of the Central Ostrobothnia Chamber Orchestra and played viola in the Kokkola Quartet.

Pakkala's first solo recording, "Hans Gál: Music for Viola Volume 1" (Toccata Classics), was released in 2019 to critical acclaim, including a positive review from Gramophone. By the end of 2024, the continuation of the Gál series with Volume 2, as well as a recording of J.S. Bach's solo cello suites on the baroque viola, are anticipated. These projects have been supported by grants from the Wihuri Foundation and the Central Ostrobothnia Regional Fund.

In her playing, Pakkala is known for her stylistic awareness, vibrant dynamism, and expressively sonorous tone. Whether performing or teaching, she values a deep engagement with the meanings of music and fluid interaction between the player, the composer, and the listener.

To explore her musical endeavors, visit her YouTube channel:

https://youtube.com/@HannaPakkala