Jaani Helander

Jaani Helander graduated from the Sibelius Academy in 2013 after studying with Martti Rousi and has been a member of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra since then. Helander is currently studying under professor Natalia Gutman in the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole in Florence, Italy. He also teaches cello at the Sibelius Academy. Helander was awarded second prize at the Turku Cello Competition in 2010 and 1st prize in the string instrument competition at the ISA Festival in Austria the same year. In Finland he has performed as a soloist with the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Joensuu City Orchestra and the Guard’s Band, among others, and in Austria with the Spirit of Europe -chamber orchestra. As a chamber musician, Helander has performed at various festivals in Finland as well as at the iPalpiti festival in Los Angeles and at the Nafplion festival in Greece. As a principal cellist Helander has performed with the Helsinki and Tampere Philharmonic Orchestras and with the international iPalpiti Orchestra on their tour in Israel.