Cellist Lauri Pulakka has Died, Aged 62

Pulakka was the first solo cellist of the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra

The Finnish cellist and teacher Dr. Lauri Pulakka, who served as the first solo cello of the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra and lectured at the Sibelius Academy, has passed away at the age of 62.

Born in Haapavesi in 1962, Pulakka was the youngest of four musical siblings. He began his studies with Jouko Paavola at the Central Ostrobothnia Music Academy. In 1972, the violinist Juha Kangas founded the ensemble that would eventually become the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra — Pulakka played in this orchestra as a founding member.

He went on to study in the UK and in France, with a particular focus on Baroque performance practice. Pulakka continued to perform in mainstream orchestras, but also appeared in Baroque ensembles such as the Finnish Baroque Orchestra and Barocco Boreale, on both the cello and the viola da gamba.

Throughout his career, he taught cello, Baroque cello, viola da gamba, and music history at institutions including the Sibelius Academy (where he also received his doctorate), the Central Ostrobothnia Conservatory, and the Novia and Centria Universities of Applied Sciences. 

Later in life, he became the program coordinator of the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra, as well as its first solo cello. He also worked as a producer on recordings and as a composer and arranger.

“[Pulakka’s] musical legacy will live on not only in our many musical memories but also in recordings, arrangements, musical writings, his work as a recording producer, and the musical knowledge and stylistic understanding he imparted to his students and fellow musicians,” wrote Marjukka Puutio, who is a friend and former cello student of Pulakka. 

“Those of us who were within his sphere of influence had the privilege of enjoying Lauri's exceptionally broad education, optimistic outlook on life, and warm approach to people,” Puutio added. “Lauri enjoyed the arts in various forms, as well as good food and drink, wordplay, wit, and old movies. He was an open-minded enthusiast and a human databank of knowledge and education, to whom one could turn for advice on any matter. We hold great respect and gratitude for Lauri's life and work.”

Pulakka is survived by his wife Maria and their three daughters. Our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.