Born: April 26, 1933 - Helsinki, Finland

Fmnish composer, conductor, and administrator, Ilkka Taneti Kuusisto, son of Taneli Kuusisto (organist and composer), studied organ at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. He also studied composition with Arre Merikanto and Fougstedt. In 1958 he went to New York to study organ with Seth Bingham, and continued later his studies in Germany and Vienna.

Returning to Helsinki, Ilkka Taneti Kuusisto was a conductor at the City Theater (1965-1968; 1971-1975) and in-betweem was head of the KIemetti Institute from 1969 to 1971. After serving as artistic director of Fazer Music from 1981 to 1984, he was general manager of the Finnish National Opera from 1984 to 1992.

Works

Dramatic: Operas:
Muumiooppera (1974)
Mieben kylkiluu (1977)
Sota valosta (1980; Helsinki, April 2, 1981)
Jääikäri Stabl (1981)
Pierrot tai yon salaisuudet (1991)

Musicals:
Lumikuningatar (1979)
Robin Hood (1987)
Also music for plays and films

Chamber:
3 Introductions for Brass, Percussion, and Organ (1956)
Duo for Flute and Cello (1957)
Coelestis aulae nuntius for Trombone and Organ (1959)
Cassazione for 2 Clarinets and 2 Horns (1961)
Jazzationes for Jazz Quartet and String Quartet (1965)
Ritornells for Viola and Marimba (1970)
organ pieces

Vocal:
3 Chinese Songs for Soprano, Flute, and Piano (1956)
Daybreak, cantata for Soli, Youth Chorus, and Organ (1957)
Cruciflxus for Baritone and String Quartet (1959)
The Pain and Alfbid, 2 songs for Baritone, 2 Clarinets, and Strings (1972)
other songs

Source: Baker’s Biographical Dictionary of 20^th Century Classical Musicians (1997)
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (July 2007)

Bach-I.T. Kuusisto: Ilkka Taneli Kuusisto | Works | Recordings

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