Arto Noras (b.1942), the founder of the Naantali Music Festival, is one of the most prominent present-day cellists in the world. He began learning the instrument at the age of five, and from the age of eight he was the pupil of Professor Yrjo Selin at the Sibelius Academy. In 1962-64 he studied in Paul Tortelier's Master Class at the Paris Conservatoire and received his diploma (Premier Prix) there in 1964. Two years later he was runner-up at the Tchaikovsky Competition, and in 1967 he won the Danish Sonning award.

In 1971 Noras was invited to become professor of cello at the Sibelius Academy, and he has conducted master classes in cello performance throughout the world. His repertoire covers all the principal works--both traditional and contemporary. He is also known for his appearance as a distinguished chamber musician, for example, as a member of the Sibelius Academy Quartet.

Arto Noras has recorded extensively, both in Finland and abroad. He has also been working as a jury member for several concerto competitions (Tchaikovsky, Casals, Cassado, Rostropovich, Rose, etc.)