Arto Noras (b. 1942, Turku, Finland) is one of the most internationally renowned cellists of his generation. He began cello studies at age six

at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and later studied under Paul Tortelier at the Paris Conservatoire, earning the Premier Prix in 1964.

In 1966, he won second prize at the Tchaikovsky Competition, launching an international career across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Noras served as cello professor at the Sibelius Academy for 40 years, then at the Hochschule für Musik in Hamburg.

He has led masterclasses and judged major competitions worldwide. He founded the Naantali Music Festival (1980) and the International Paulo Cello Competition (1991), serving as artistic director of both.

An acclaimed soloist and chamber musician, Noras has performed globally with top orchestras and composers, including Krzysztof Penderecki and Aulis Sallinen. His extensive discography includes many works dedicated to him.