Emil Hartikainen (born in 2003) began violin lessons at the Espoo Music Institute at the age of 7 under Grazyna Zeranska-Gebert. He is currently enrolled in the Sibelius Academy’s Junior Academy, studying under Réka Szilvay.
Emil was awarded the 1st prize in the Seppo Tukiainen violin competition in 2009, in the international Florida Keys competition in 2018 and in the international Daleki Akordi competition in Croatia 2019. He was awarded the 2nd prize in the Noor Muusik competition in Tallinn in 2013, and the 3rd prize in the Juhani Heinonen violin competition in 2016.
Emil has performed as a soloist, concertmaster and orchestra musician in numerous concerts in Finland and internationally. He has played at events such as the Oulu August Festival, the Musica Mundi chamber music festival in Belgium, and the Black and White Theatre Festival opening concert together with the Chamber Orchestra of Antalya State Opera. Emil is an active chamber musician and first violinist with the Balder quartet, which has performed at venues such as the famous Carnegie Hall in New York.
Emil Hartikainen plays OP Art Foundation's Ferdinandus Gagliano violin from 1767.