Finnish accordionist Matti Pulkki is acclaimed for his imaginative and creative exploration of the vast expressive potential of his instrument. Although he focuses on contemporary and experimental programming, Pulkki also actively performs repertoire that ranges from classical works and transcriptions to diverse global styles. He is also a sought-after collaborator in opera, theatre, and interdisciplinary productions as a musician, performer, and arranger. Regardless of the genre or context, Pulkki aims to captivate audiences with performances that showcase the instrument’s full expressive range and versatility.
Pulkki frequently collaborates with composers to discover new sonic landscapes for the accordion. Through his most recent commissions, he has explored, for example, the use of electronics and multimedia, the performer’s body as an extension of their instrument, and the use of voice and text as expressive tools.
Currently based in Toronto, Pulkki performs as a soloist and with ensembles worldwide. His ongoing chamber music projects include the eclectic voice and accordion duo Sawtooth with vocalist Sarah Albu, the Toronto-based Freesound Performance Collective, and the internationally acclaimed classical crossover ensemble Quartetto Gelato..
A passionate educator and advocate for his instrument, Pulkki regularly presents lectures and workshops for composers and accordionists in Europe and North America. He holds a Master’s degree from the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Toronto, where his academic research focused on collaborative processes between performers and composers in contemporary accordion music.
Matti Pulkki 