Risto Lauriala

Piano

Pianist Risto Lauriala has had a long and international career. Lauriala first came to public attention in 1970 when he won the first prize in the Maj Lind Piano Competition. In 1974, he won the first prize at the Stepanov Competition in Vienna.

Since his debut recital in 1973, Lauriala has performed actively as a chamber musician, orchestral soloist, and lied pianist throughout Europe, Japan, and the United States. His concert series have featured Beethoven’s piano concertos, Bach’s Partitas, and Schubert’s piano sonatas.

Lauriala studied at the Oulu Music Institute, the Sibelius Academy, privately with Ilona Kabos in London, and at the Vienna Academy of Music. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in musicology from the University of Helsinki.

Risto Lauriala has served as a lecturer in accompaniment as well as in piano and chamber music at the Sibelius Academy. He has also received the Finnish state artist grant for a five-year period on two occasions.