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Riitta Hammarberg

I started playing the violin at the age of 4 in Oulu under the guidance of pedagogue Tatjana Pogotsiev. Other teachers I've had include Olavi Ahola, Marja-Leena Toropainen, and Pertti Sutinen. During music camps, my teachers have included Jorma Rahkonen, Paavo Pohjola Jacques Kantorov, and Maria Vermes. My twin sister Helena took up the cello, as our father was a professional cellist. Music has strongly run in the family; we have violinists, a bassoonist, and my uncle played the flute in the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra.

Originally, my dream career was to become an English language teacher, but I've been able to fulfill my passion for teaching through violin playing. Even today, I teach students of all ages. Piano playing might have been a more interesting alternative to the violin, but I still get to play it when accompanying students during lessons. In between practice sessions, I enjoy playing music ranging from folk to pop. Symphony music in the classical realm is simply the best. Sitting on stage in the middle of the orchestra, playing second violin, with the music filling the concert hall at its fullest power, is an incredible feeling.

The music I listen to in my free time is usually light, spanning various genres, especially when driving. Classical music is rarely on my playlist. My hobbies outside of music include morning walks with my dogs, followed by a jogging session. After that, I usually do some morning exercise, and then the day can begin. At home, I'm kept busy by my two Jack Russell terriers, Raita and Ruutu. Raita, affectionately nicknamed "Pököpää" by a friend, has a strong will of her own. She brought joy to our lives a year ago with five wonderful little Russell puppies. Before these dogs, I raised four Chihuahuas. Dog shows have been a part of my life for years. I've also served as a judge in match shows and junior handler rings. My ex-husband Markku and I used to have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. From my childhood, there's also Prisca, a lovely Staffordshire lady. Together with my sister, we used to perform ABBA songs with a backing track in Naantali during the summer. We're planning to tackle Queen's music next. Their music is amazing.

My favorite composer since childhood has always been Sibelius, and it remains so to this day. It's absolute music that speaks to the ear. I ended up in Turku by chance; my intention was to go to Lahti for an audition. However, I got the flu and couldn't participate, and the Turku audition happened to be in the spring of '85. It worked out, and I stayed here. The archipelago here is like its own world. Kaarina, where I live, is part of it, and it's nice to visit the shore of the Kuusisto Strait with the dogs. Even festivals happen there once each summer.