Anna-Liisa Räsänen

Anna-Liisa began her journey as a trombonist at the age of 13 in her hometown of Jyväskylä under the guidance of Matti Korhonen. From there, her path led to the Kaustinen Music High School, where she studied with Mari Kaasinen. In 2000, she continued her studies at the Sibelius Academy, where her teachers included Simo Kanerva, Teppo Alestalo, and John Kotka. She also spent a year at the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg, studying in Ingemar Roos’s trombone class. Her master’s studies concluded successfully in spring 2008, when she completed her final recital at the Sibelius Academy with the highest possible grade.

Already during her studies, Anna-Liisa was actively involved in orchestral work. In addition to numerous shorter engagements (e.g., Tapiola Sinfonietta, Finnish Chamber Orchestra), she served as substitute co-principal trombone in the Finnish National Opera Orchestra from 2006 to 2008 and as substitute second solo trombone in the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra in spring 2011. Since 2009, she has held the position of principal trombone in the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra. She is also a founding member of the Turku Jazz Orchestra.

Among the best aspects of her work and instrument, Ansku highlights the overtone-rich, naturally pure, and viscerally resonant blend of the trombone and tuba section.

In addition to her orchestral work, Anna-Liisa teaches trombone in Turku and Naantali and works as a chauffeur for her two children.