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"One imagines that Nordgren would have been thrilled by the playing of the Kokkola Quartet and their guests."

The third symphony by Mikko Heiniö is premiered in Turku in May 18. While celebrating his 70th birthday, it nevertheless looks to the future. His work as a composer continues, and he has just finished writing a new opera, his fourth.

Known as a fearless sound explorer and protean saxophonist, Tapani Rinne introduced jazz to ambient and techno years before it became a worldwide trend. After game-changing albums with RinneRadio, Wimme and others, he continues to blaze a trail of innovation.

Tuuletar are a vocal ensemble of four women who have skyrocketed to international fame in recent years. Although their music is firmly anchored in the soil of folk music, they seek to avoid being boxed or categorised, preferring instead to interpret tradition liberally.

The Tampere Biennale once again showcased a broad spectrum of new music from home and abroad. Instead of the mainstream, the festival focused on the margins of creative musical art and explored interfaces between branches of the arts.

Erik Bergman (1911–2006) was a pioneer in modern composition techniques in Finland. He was awarded practically every Finnish recognition and prize that it is possible for a creative artist to receive. It is a little-known fact that for his first studies abroad he went to Nazi Germany.

Solo albums, piano trio work and extensive efforts as a sideman both locally and globally made Aki Rissanen one of the leading Finnish jazz pianists of his generation. Now his new album seems to be catapulting him to the top of the heap.

In April 2018 the Tampere Biennale festival of contemporary Finnish music will highlight “free radicals”. Bringing together contemporary music enthusiasts and professionals, this year’s Biennale showcases artistic freedom, fringe art, artistic interaction and a record number of new works.

"Talented, bold and versatile, Anni Elif Egecioglu is a welcome role model to all yearning to test the strength of their ideas and resolve."