Liina Leijala

Finnish cellist Liina Leijala was born 1984 in Keuruu, Finland. She has studied in Sibelius Academy with Heikki Rautasalo and Marko Ylönen, and chamber music in Escuela Superior de Musica Reina Sofia, with Ralf Gothoni. Leijala finished her masters degree in Sibelius Academy with excellent marks in spring 2012. She has done Post Graduate studies at the University for Music and Performing Arts Vienna.

Liina Leijala works at the moment as a cello professor in Barenboim-Said Foundation and in Wiener Musikakademie.

Leijala is a finalist in the EBU Young Soloist competition and prize winner in several other international competitions. She has performed widely all over in Europe, USA and Asia in recitals and as a soloist. Leijala debuted in Wiener Musikverein in October 2013 in "Junge Talente" concert series.
As a chamber musician Leijala has worked with the Barbirolli Quartet in London, and in Gironcoli Quartet Vienna. With Gironcoli Quartet she got the 1. prize in the International Chamber Music Competition in Bled 2013, they were also in European Chamber Music Academy ECMA. At the moment Leijala plays in piano trio Trio Global.

Leijala played as a solo cellist in Orchester Academy of Vienna Philharmonic 2009-2011. Since 2011 Leijala is playing in Mahler Chamber Orchestra. Leijala is also member of Verbier Festival Orchestras. She plays also in Salzburg Chamber Soloists.

Most important chamber music guides for her have been pianist/conductor Ralf Gothoni and pianist Ferenc Rados.

Leijala is supported by Wihuri foundation, Wegelius foundation and Pro Musica foundation.

Liina Leijala’s instrument is Vincenzo Postiglione 1896, for which she presents the most cordial thanks to the Finnish Culture Foundation.