About Me
I am Roosa Punkari, a choir director specialized in rhythmic choral music and choir improvisation. In my work, I want to convey positive energy and be present with people around me.
The best thing about choir music is working together and the fact that everyone gets to be part of creating something wonderful and unique. My goal is to make the choir shine and bring out the best in the singers.
Background
I am originally from Helsinki, Finland, but I am now based in Oslo, where I work as a choir director. I previously lived in Aarhus, Denmark, where I completed my master’s degree in Jazz/Pop Choir Directing at the Royal Academy of Music Aarhus. I also hold a master’s degree in Music Pedagogy from the Sibelius Academy in Finland.
My work experience covers a wide range of choirs, from semi-professional ensembles of 10 singers to large choirs of 100 singers. I have conducted choirs in Finland, Denmark, and Norway and worked with a wide range of ensembles, from children’s choirs at music schools to various adult choirs, including a rock choir and other rhythmic choirs. In the summers, I have organized singing camps for children and young people. I also lead the Helsinki-based Lille ensemble, which I founded in the fall of 2024 to promote the field of rhythmic a cappella music in Finland.
I communicate fluently in Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and English. Thanks to my extensive language skills, I have been able to collaborate with choirs and vocal groups across the Nordic countries and internationally. I have, for example, taught Vocal Painting at the Skolmusik Festival in Tampere, Finland, and at Saint Louis College of Music in Rome, Italy. I have also worked as an instructor at Sommersanguka at Toneheim Folkehøgskole in Norway.
Comments about Roosa
Here are some comments from my choir singers
“
Roosa always acts energetically and exudes good vibes for the choir rehearsal. It is also very inspiring to learn about Vocal Painting and how the signs are so useful during normal rehearsals.
– Choir member of Sing It!, Denmark
“
I love the way Roosa directs the choir with minimalistic movements when possible, almost like dancing us through the songs. It is a pleasure to be on stage with her!
– Choir member of Cawiar, Finland
“
Roosa is very energetic, passionate, clear in her instructions and well organized.
– Choir member of Cawiar, Finland
“
Roosa is both an encouraging and demanding choir leader whose ear for nuance and the finer details in music has already taught me a lot about choir singing as well as encouraged me out of my personal, musical comfort zone. I think as a choir we have learned to listen to each other more and as an extension become more of a collective unit.
– Choir member of SoundAround, Denmark