Anna-Maija Laiho-Ihekweazu

Anna-Maija Laiho-Ihekweazu started playing the trombone with Heikki Moisio in 1992. Her studies continued at the Sibelius Academy, where from 2000 onwards Anna-Maija was taught by Simo Kanerva, John Kotka and Teppo Alestalo, as well as many leading pedagogues and musicians. Esa Fagerholm introduced her to Renaissance trombone and Antti Rissanen to jazz trombone. She has attended master classes with trombonists such as Michel Becquet, Kristian Lindberg, Jörgen van Rijen, Jacques Mauger, Yoshiki Hakoyama, Jessica Buzzbee, and Tony Baker. Anna-Maija graduated from the Sibelius Academy, Department of Orchestral Instruments, with a Master's degree in Trombone Performance in 2011, with 5/5 grades. She has had competition success at the Lahti National Wind Instruments Competition, winning the 1st prize in the B-series in 1997 and the 1st prize in the A-series in 2003.

Anna-Maija is a founding member of the Ytybrass Quintet, Turku Jazz Orchestra and Euphoria Sextet, where she works as a chamber musician and educator. She has premiered music by his brother Matti Laiho and in 2010 she premiered Paavo Heininen's Trombone Sonata at the Lieksa Brass Week. Anna-Maija was the vice principal trombone of the Guard Band 2002-2006 and since 2006 she has been the vice principal trombone of Turku Philharmonic Orchestra. She plays tenor, alto and bass trombone; tenor and baritone horn; and bass trumpet. He is passionate about premiering new music and making chamber music across stylistic boundaries.