Arto Noras is one of the most outstanding cellists in the world today. He learned the instrument under the tuition of Yrjö Selin at the Sibelius Academy and went on to study with Paul Tortelier in Paris. He came to prominence internationally after his success in the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow in 1966.

Arto Noras has performed with major orchestras and conductors all over the world, and his repertoire encompasses practically the entire cello literature. He has also appeared as a distinguished chamber musician with some of the most acclaimed musicians of our time.

Noras has a fairly extensive list of recordings to his name, comprising several pieces written especially for him. Recently he has recorded in collaboration with Krzysztof Penderecki, among others.

Arto Noras' long career as Professor of Cello at the Sibelius Academy, his masterclasses the world over and his role as a jury member in international cello competitions have contributed to the advancement of cello music both in Finland and worldwide.

Arto Noras is the founder and Artistic Director of both the Naantali Music Festival and the International Paulo Cello Competition.