Jaakko Välimäki

Photo: Satu-Marja Miilunpalo / Valokuvaus Miilunpalo

"Whatever!" was the first thought of young Jaakko Välimäki when he was suggested changing from his not-so-glorious piano studies to French horn. Fortunately, Valkeakoski music school horn teacher Antti Pajuoja managed to convince the reluctant teen that the horn is in fact a wonderful instrument.

After studying in the Sibelius-Academy and Freiburg Music University Välimäki has worked in Lapland Chamber Orchestra, Tampere Filharmonic Orchestra, Lahti Symphony Orchestra and Finnish National Opera Orchestra.

Teaching has become an increasingly important part of Välimäki's musicianship. This summer he teaches horn students in Kälviä Music Festival and Lieksa Brass Week. He is the horn teacher in Espoo Music Institute and Sibelius-Academy. Recently Välimäki has also started working as an audition coach. In his freetime, Välimäki tries to reach new heights as a rock climber."