Presenting our musicians: Ilkka Eronen
Musician interview 17.3.2026
One of FiBO’s newest members, traverso player Ilkka Eronen, is naturally a skilled musician—but he is also, among other things, a talented knitter. Get to know Eronen better below.
Name
Ilkka Eronen
Instrument
Traverso
Short introduction
I work as a freelance musician in the field of early music, in addition to FiBO, with various early music ensembles in Finland, including the Helsinki Baroque Orchestra and Ensemble Nylandia. I am also a member of the Æstus ensemble and the Intra Vires Renaissance flute consort. I also teach at music institutes. Previously, I have worked as a flutist and piccolo player with the Guards Band, the Helsinki City Theatre, and the Joensuu City Orchestra.
Tell us about yourself.
I am originally from Lieksa. I started playing the flute at the age of 10 at the Pielinen Karelia Music Institute. My sister had once played the violin, but otherwise there was no musical background in my family. However, Lieksa had an active music institute and orchestra where one could play. I also had a good flute teacher who encouraged me to continue my studies, even though I didn’t yet have any professional ambitions at that stage.
How did you end up choosing your instrument? Who or what influenced the choice?
More or less by chance. We were simply informed in primary school about instrumental studies and the activities of the Pielinen Karelia Music Institute. I saw a list of instruments on the notice board and immediately decided I wanted to play the flute. If I remember correctly, my favorite childhood fairy tale featured a boy who played the flute—perhaps that had an influence. Traverso entered the picture during my professional studies via recorder studies at the Tampere Conservatory. Early music gradually drew me further into studies at the Sibelius Academy, and from there into professional work in the early music field.
What inspires you as a musician and in life in general?
Creating in the moment and working together with colleagues. Live music enables experiences that cannot be had in any other way.
Which other art form is closest to you?
Recently I’ve been reading a lot of fiction—for example, I completed the Helmet Reading Challenge last year! I also enjoy visiting museums and art exhibitions.
What is your greatest musical dream?
To be able to continue making music as diversely as I do now for a long time, together with wonderful colleagues!
What is your favorite travel destination and why?
I don’t have a particular favorite destination, but Prague stayed in my mind when I visited a few years ago for a masterclass. I’ll have the chance to travel there again this spring.
In what kind of place does your soul find rest?
Even though I’m not much of an athlete, I always enjoy cross-country skiing in winter. I also find traveling by bus and train relaxing and pleasant in its own way—I usually fall asleep easily while traveling.
How do you feel your work in the arts contributes more broadly to society?
Music makes people pause and feel moved. In this hectic time, it is important to be able to calm down and step away from everyday life.
Why do you find it meaningful to perform music that is over 300 years old?
Even though, for example, the Baroque era is already several hundred years behind us, the music still resonates with us in the 21st century. Instruments of the period have a colorful and human sound. As a musician, it is also important for me to be able to play different instruments depending on the needs of each project. I find it fascinating how music can be approached through the instruments of its own era.
Choose your favorite from FiBO’s spring 2026 concert offerings and explain your choice.
The Earth, Water, Air and Fire concerts at the House of Nobility on March 20 and at Järvenpää Church on April 20. Wonderful music by the great Baroque composers!
Do you have a “secret” special skill?
When I was younger, I was an enthusiastic knitter, although I’ve taken a bit of a break from it in recent years. I’ve made socks, mittens, and even sweaters. Maybe I should pick up an unfinished project again sometime!
If you had to run the Cooper test or bake for a party of 30 people, which would you choose?
I only have bad memories of the Cooper test, but I’m not much of a cook either. Still, I would choose baking—I can make a pretty good chocolate cheesecake!