Saara Särkimäki began her cello studies at the pulla-scented Western Helsinki Music Institute. From there her studies led her first to the Sibelius Academy and later, to complete a master’s degree at the Hochschule für Muik Saar under the tutelage of Gustav Rivinuk. She also spent the Academic year 2019-2020 on exchange to the Universität der Künst Berlin. In the fall of 2022 Saara won first prize in the Walter Gieseking competition and fourth prize in the Turku Cello Competition.
Chamber music has been close to Särkimäki’s heart from a young age. A pursuit of this art form has led, among other things, to the finals of the 2020 Ilmari Hannikainen Piano Chamber Music Competition as part of the Kakadu trio. She has also received a chamber music stipend from the “Yehudi Menuhin Live Music Now Saarland” foundation as a member of the Hile trio, and has received the Claudia-Meyer prize. Saara can also be spotted playing chamber music at, among others, Luosto soi! and the Chamber Music Week in Saarbrücken.
Särkimäki is a member of the Helsinki Philharmonic, and spends her free time baking Rye bread, bouldering, and enjoying both quality ice cream and nature’s peace.