The Silver Accordion 2010

The Winner of the Silver Accordion is Janina Suihkola

Finalists 2010

	Pilvi Huhta, Vihti Competition piece: Bye-bye polkka, säv. L. Pihlajamaa Teacher: Heidi Velamo Pilvi Huhta has played the accordion for 4 years. Pilvi thinks that the accordion has a beautiful and interesting sound. Pilvi´s mother plays the accordion and also teaches accordion playing to children, so the choice of instrument was easy for Pilvi. Pilvi also likes to dance and play the piano.
	Aleksi Merras, Helsinki Competition piece: Peukaloisen retket, K. Svoboda, sov. A-M. Saira Teacher: Soile Närhi, Käpylä Music Institute Aleksi Merras has played the accordion for 2,5 years. He chose the instrument after participating in a “Carousel”- program at Käpylä Music Institute  - a program that introduces different instruments to children during one school year. During the program Aleksi got fascinated by the accordion, because he thinks it has a nice sound. Aleksi practices football several times a week. Besides playing the accordion, studying music theory, and playing football, there is not much time for other hobbies. All things related to music are of interest to Aleksi and he thinks his future profession might have something to do with music. Aleksi is the middle one of three children in the family. He tells that as a musician he is very persistent when it comes to practicing.
	Anniina Korhonen, Mikkeli Competition piece: Pingviinitanssi, säv. McGillar, sov. A. Kivekäs Teacher: Arto Kivekäs, Mikkeli Folk High School and Arto Kivekäs Accordion School Anniina has played the accordion for 2,5 years. The accordion has always been her favorite instrument. Her older brother played the accordion, so Anniina wanted to start playing, too. Besides playing the accordion Anniina also plays floorball. She lives in the countryside. Her family consists of mother, father, and two older brothers. Anniina has many friends, she likes animals, and has a cat.
	Aliisa Räsänen, Pori Competition piece: Peppi pitkätossu, säv. Jan Johansson, sov. Vesa Formunen Teacher: Vesa Formunen Aliisa Räsänen has played the accordion for 2,5 years under the instruction of Vesa Formunen. She also plays in the Ruosniemi Accordion Club orchestra. Aliisa was introduced to the accordion by her grandfather, who asked if she would like to start playing the instrument. Aliisa describes herself as gentle and playful, sometimes even wild. Her hobbies include gymnastics, swimming and walking her dog.
	Juuso Kortetmaa, Kokkola Competition piece: Saku sammakko, Foley-Flick-Kirkland, sov. M. Ruuska Teacher: Sari Viinikainen, Central Ostrobothnia Conservatory Juuso Kortetmaa has been a student at the Central Ostrobothnia Conservatory since he was 8 months old; first in the music play school and later as an accordion student. Juuso has played the accordion for 4 years. He also plays in the Junior Orchestra, led by Raimo Vertainen. Other than playing the accordion, Juuso likes to play ping pong and floorball.
	Janina Suihkola, Sievi Competition piece: Punasaappaat, trad. sov. Lasse Könönen Teacher: Erkki Ihalainen, Ylivieska Region Music Institute The youngest of the accordion playing Suihkola family, Janina has played the instrument for 5 years.  She chose the accordion, because all her siblings – Jonna, Julia, and Mikko – as well as her father play the accordion.  Mikko won the Silver Accordion Competition in 2007, Jonna and Julia are both Finnish Folk music champions. Janina enjoys different kinds of sports and describes herself as fiery. She likes to perform and is eager to gain new experiences.
	Sonja Lampinen, Saarijärvi Competition piece: Laulu Suomelle, säv. Lasse Heikkilä, sov. Teijo Rekonen Teachers: Marjo Petrescu and Teijo Rekonen Sonja Lampinen tells that she has two teachers because she wants to learn so much and neither of her parents play the accordion. Sonja has been playing for about three years. She started in an accordion music play school at the age of five. She sometimes performs at  retirement homes. Sonja also plays the piano and sings in the Jippii choir. She likes handicrafts and taking care of her pets; a rabbit and a cat. Skiing, skating, and volleyball are her hobbies as well. Sonja is the youngest in her family. She has three siblings who are all already grown-ups.