B i o g r a p h y
Kristina Kuusisto is a Bandoneon player who is internationally renound for the fineness of her interpretations. A graduate of Sibelius Academy Helsinki, in classical Accordion, she then studied Bandoneon at Conservatory of Music at Gennevilliers in Paris under the direction of Juan José Mosalini. Accordionist at the National Theatre of Finland from 1987 until 1990 additionally Professor of the Accordeon until 1996 at Music school in Hämeenlinna. From 1996 to 2001 Professor of Bandoneon Conservatory of Music at Gennevilliers in Paris.
Concert-soloist, playing concertos “Tres Tangos” and “Aconcagua” composed by; Astor Piazzolla accompanied by the Orchestras: Pays de Savoie (France), Aalborg Symphony Orchestra (Denmark), the Pori Sinfonietta (Finland) and the Staats Philharmonic Rheinland-Pfalz de Ludwigshafen (Germany), Norrköpings Symphony Orchestra (Sweden), Lappeenrannan Kaupunginorkesteri (Finland) Hyvinkaan Kaupunginorkesteri (Finland), Keski-Pohjanmaan Kamariorkesteri (Finland), Sinfonietta Lentua, Kuhmo (Finland).
Guest Artist of Opera North (Leeds, England), l' Opéra de Metz (France), Opéra de Nancy (France), Théâtre des Amandiers (France). For 12 years she has participated in the creation of numerous shows and contemporary operas: Cabaret Contemporain Directed by Mireille Laroche in Péniche-Opéra. La Confession Impudique composed by Bernard Cavanna, produced by ARCAL. Forever Valley Composed by Gérard Pesson , at Theatre of Amandiers in Nanterre. Le Clown de Neiges (touring in France). Tangonino by Hélène Bohy (touring in France). Merci Douglas Bonsoir composed by Benjamin Hertz and written by Jacques Rebotier, Produced by ARCAL. ‘Warning a Train may Hide Another’ Lot Production, Belgium. Mahagonny Composed by Kurt Weill's in l'Opéra de Metz.
Kristina was a founding member of the London quintet Tango Volcano and the Breton quintet Tango Nevez. Kristina also plays in duo called ‘ Duo Dryades’ with Mari Mäntylä (decacorde , classical 10 string Guitar). Also working in duo with Roger Eon (guitare) called “Duo Silb” and Trios “Ketiketan” and “ Les Harmonies Barbares” and Quatuor Bagatelles .
She has participated in numerous recordings for CDs, movies and radios. “Catching Fire” - album Tango Volcano/London; “Kirmari”, “Speira”ans “Le Meneuse de tortues d’Or” - albums with Mari Mäntylä, Mayrecords and Alba, “ Kalevala-Barzaz Breiz” with Trio Ketiketan, “ Disfutar” with trio Les Harmonies Barbares, Le désire de la Chair de Benjamin Herz / Radio France / Paris; Forever Valley, Gérard Pesson opera CD / Radio France; Mon ami Emilie, Paul Méfano / Waldteufel, Ensemble FA; Astor Piazzollan Aconcagua concerto for bandoneon, Staats Philharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, SWR2, Deutsch Radio, Æterna Pekka Jalkanen concerto, Yle 1, Radio Finland, The Truth About Charlie, dir. Jonathan Demme / Universal; Mies ilman menneisyyttä, Oh. Aki Kaurismäki / Sputnik Oy (Grand Prix Cannes Festival 2002)...
Kristina and the Bandonéon
"I discovered the bandoneon on the occasion of the Misa Tango ", writes Françoise Tonnard," I did not suspect its existence until then. It's an incredible instrument, an orchestra all by itself! Nothing to do with the accordion, of which it is a finished and very sophisticated version. It brings into play a whole range of very expressive sounds, with infinitely varied and subtle colorations: blows of dark anger with fiery trepidations, the cry of joy to the lascivious complaint, impossible to remain impassive as it makes us vibrate, so much it touch - not to say to ram - our emotions. This instrument speaks to everyone and it invites furiously to life.
The interpretation of Kristina Kuusisto is certainly a big part of it. She is fascinating to watch as she is in her music, so attentive to the response of the instrument when she solicits it. She is so close to it, in the true sense of the word, because she accompanies him physically in a gesture of love. Fascinating to listen to because it's such an intimate dialogue that you can only hold your breath and let yourself be contaminated by the irresistible beauty of this breathtaking musical embrace."
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Françoise Tonnard