Iris Therese Kalliovirta began playing cello at seven and currently she studies with Ole-Eirik Ree at Barratt Due Institute of Music. She joined Barratt Due´s “Young Talents” program at ten and has been a part of its Junior Orchestra since thirteen.

Iris is also an active chamber musician and is a member of the Saphir Quartet, which has won several first prizes and performed at numerous festivals. In May 2024, the Saphir quartet won the gold medal in the junior string division at the 51st annual Fischoff Competition.

Iris has competed in many competitions and earned several 1st prices in “Ungdommens musikkmesterskap” as well as the “Inspiration Prize” at the Midgard Competition. In 2021 she was awarded a scholarship from Tove Sinding-Larsens memorial fund as support for her further studies.