Music and love brought Marta and Joonas to Jyväskylä

Marta, 30, began playing the cello at the age of seven in Poland and studied chamber music for many years before finding her place in the world of orchestral music.

‘I have always enjoyed playing together more than playing alone. At Jyväskylä Sinfonia I can do both – play in an orchestra and perform chamber music. It’s the perfect combination,’ Marta says.

Marta won the cello position in an audition in late summer 2024 and joined the ranks of Jyväskylä Sinfonia at the end of that year. She was followed by her partner Joonas, 27, who was appointed as a second violinist in the orchestra in late summer 2025.

Joonas began playing the violin as a child in his home country of Estonia and describes orchestral work as an opportunity to be part of something bigger: ‘The power and the silence of an orchestra can create an immense atmosphere. That’s one of the reasons why I love this work.’

Happiness is a workplace that smiles

Both Marta and Joonas praise the positive atmosphere at Jyväskylä Sinfonia. ‘Every day I see many smiling faces. There is a friendly and calm atmosphere here,’ Marta says.

Joonas recalls his first moment with the orchestra: ‘The atmosphere in rehearsals was warm, yet full of energy and enthusiasm.’

Both also appreciate the variety of the work – there are many projects, and the job never becomes boring.

Working in the same orchestra brings both advantages and challenges.

‘It’s wonderful to share the same rhythm and schedule; it makes everyday life easier. Of course, working at home can sometimes be challenging when we’re both practicing at the same time,’ Joonas says.

‘We feel truly fortunate to have found jobs in the same orchestra so soon after graduating,’ Marta adds.”

Work and everyday life bring us together – ‘Music is our life’

Both Joonas and Marta see music as a way of life, not just a profession. Marta is constantly seeking new approaches to playing the cello, including through improvisation and baroque cello. For Joonas, the most important thing is the feeling of being part of a whole that touches the audience.

Jyväskylä has impressed them with its tranquility and closeness to nature. After Helsinki, Joonas found the city serene and its scenery special. Lakes and rolling hills are recurring themes in both of their accounts. Marta, on the other hand, appreciates the hiking trails, Aalto’s architecture, and the fact that everything she needs is nearby – including the airport, which allows visits to her home country, Poland.

In their free time, Harju has become an important place for both, as have museums and events.

‘It was a really interesting experience to see the rally up close for the first time last summer. The city felt more alive and was full of people from all over the world,’ Joonas enthuses.

They have also found their own favorites in Finnish culture. Marta was surprised by the importance of the sauna: ‘My Polish friends find it unusual that I have a sauna in my own apartment.’

Joonas, meanwhile, values respect for privacy and peace. Their future dreams include owning a summer cottage and living even closer to nature.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about moving to Finland for both of them has been how easily one can manage almost anywhere with English. ‘It has actually slowed down my Finnish studies,’ Joonas laughs.”