US Premier of Jakko Kuusisto's Violin Concerto

Renowned Finnish violinist and composer Jaakko Kuusisto visiting UB and Buffalo in October 2015 for the US premier of his Violin Concerto thanks to CAI’s Artist-in-Residence program in partnership with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Kuuisisto’s Violin Concerto was premiered Oct. 9, 2015 in a concert, Echoes of Sibelius, given by the BPO and Music Director JoAnn Falletta. Kuuisisto’s concerto was performed by Finnish violinist Elina Vähälä, who also commissioned the piece. Performing the difficult, free form piece from memory, Vähälä both impressed and charmed the audience.

Thanks to the CAI Artist-in-Residence program, Kuusisto was in attendance at the US premier of his work. He gave a preconcert talk and in the days following the concerts interacted with UB music students. CAI was thrilled to be able to help introduce both Buffalo and UB to this outstanding young composer.