Presenting our musicians: Mikko Perkola
Musician interview 12.2.2019
Gambist Mikko Perkola, known for his experimental projects, wants to challenge old structures and find something new in both the making of art and in life in general.
Name
Mikko Perkola
Instrument
Viola da gamba
Short introduction
I play more elsewhere than in FiBO, because the viola da gamba is rarely used in orchestral music and my own interests are strongly with the new and experimental arts.
Tell us about yourself
I am the member of a worker family with six children from Hollola. Music was not that present in our everyday life, but we went to music classes and took instrument classes in the Päijät-Häme Conservatory.
How did you end up with your instrument? Who or what made you choose it?
I have not yet really ended up with my instrument.
What inspires you as a musician and in life?
I am inspired by life. All forms of life except the Western human.
What other art form is close to your heart?
Poetry is the form of art that I love the most. The fine arts and dance are also favourites. Music comes about sixth.
Which is your greatest musical dream?
I do not have musical dreams.
Which is your favourite travel destination, and why?
The village of Kaukonen in Kittilä. Silence Festival is held there.
In what kind of a place does your soul find rest?
Alone in the silence on the shore of a lake.
How do you feel your art is affecting society at large?
Maintaining this present Western society is directly in conflict with maintaining life, and we cannot really comprehend that we need to change everything if we want organised human life to continue on this earth. Through art, you can ask questions that are not even on the decision-makers tables.
Why do you enjoy playing music that is over 300 years old?
The question is: do I enjoy playing music that is over 300 years old, if it only supports the current structures? Art, both old and new, should be able to actively challenge and present alternatives to this patriarchal model.
Choose your favourite among FiBO’s spring 2019 concerts, and motivate your choice.
Contemporary Baroque at the House of Nobility on 5 February at 7 pm. I am a great fan of Antti Tikkanen and I am sure that Antti will make the most of the program.
Which is your guilty pleasure?
Salty liquorice is my guilty pleasure.
If you had to run the Cooper test or bake for a party of 30 people, which would you choose?
Baking.