Marja Kaisla

Pianist Marja Kaisla of Philadelphia was FFN Performer of the Year for 2013 through August of 2014.

Kaisla, who was born in Finland, has lived in the U.S. since 1987. As POY she appeared at events organized by FFN chapters across the country to encourage appreciation of Finnish and Finnish-American talent, culture and traditions. She began studying piano at the age of three and continued her education at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, the St. Petersburg Conservatory in Russia, with György Sebök in Switzerland and Susan Starr in Philadelphia.

Her extensive classical repertoire includes the standard Western classical composers’ works from the 18th to the 20th century and more, including a solo program of “White Nights of the Scandinavian Composers.” She also likes to perform less classical selections to audiences with ties to Finland and love for the country.

In addition to her solo recital and concerto performances, Kaisla appears with her chamber music ensembleTrio Excelsior! She was also active in spearheading and implementing numerous 375th Anniversary events in Philadelphia in 2013 celebrating the Finns’ and Swedes’ settlement of the Delaware Valley.

Kaisla now chairs the FFN Sibelius 150 Jubilee Committee, which is encouraging and aiding programs, projects and events celebrating the anniversary of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius throughout 2015. 

For more information about the artist go to www.marjakaisla.org