Kristiina Mäkelä is a renowned Finnish classical music artist who has made a significant impact in the world of music. Born on December 17, 1978, in Helsinki, Finland, Mäkelä grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a cellist, and her mother was a pianist, which exposed her to music at a young age. She started playing the piano at the age of four and later switched to the cello at the age of six. Mäkelä's talent was evident from a young age, and she quickly became a prodigy. She received her first cello lessons from her father and later studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. She continued her studies at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hannover, Germany, where she studied under the tutelage of renowned cellist and pedagogue, Professor Eldar Issakadze. Mäkelä's career as a professional cellist began in 2001 when she won the first prize at the International Paulo Cello Competition in Helsinki. This win marked the beginning of her international career, and she has since performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Carnegie Hall in New York. Mäkelä has collaborated with some of the world's leading conductors, including Esa-Pekka Salonen, Paavo Järvi, and Sakari Oramo. She has also performed with many renowned orchestras, including the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. One of Mäkelä's most significant achievements was her performance of the Elgar Cello Concerto with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra in 2007. Her interpretation of the piece was highly praised by critics, and it cemented her reputation as one of the world's leading cellists. In addition to her performances as a soloist, Mäkelä is also an active chamber musician. She has performed with many renowned ensembles, including the Finnish String Quartet and the Meta4 Quartet. She is also a member of the Helsinki Chamber Orchestra, where she serves as the principal cellist. Mäkelä's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In addition to her win at the International Paulo Cello Competition, she has also won the Turku Cello Competition and the Young Soloist of the Year award in Finland. She was also awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal in 2012, which is one of Finland's highest honors for cultural achievements. Mäkelä is also a dedicated teacher and has taught at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hannover. She is passionate about passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of musicians. In addition to her performances and teaching, Mäkelä is also committed to promoting classical music to a wider audience. She has been involved in many outreach programs, including the Helsinki Music Centre's "Music for All" program, which aims to bring classical music to children and young people. In conclusion, Kristiina Mäkelä is a highly accomplished and respected classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. Her talent, dedication, and passion for music have earned her numerous awards and accolades, and she continues to inspire and influence musicians and audiences around the world.

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