About this Artist

Born: 1949, Forssa, Finland“Many composers think it’s forbidden to write beautiful music today. I wonder…why? I think everything should be open, everything should be possible, with no taboos.”

Kalevi Aho studied composition at the Sibelius Academy, earning his diploma in 1971. Considered one of Finland’s foremost living composers, he is known primarily for his large-scale works, which include 15 symphonies, 18 concertos, four operas, and numerous chamber pieces. His music encompasses a wide range of moods, styles, and genres, and has been compared to the works of Gustav Mahler and Alfred Schnittke, with influences of Dmitri Shostakovich.

Further listening:Symphony No. 11 for six percussionists and orchestra (1997-1998)Kroumata, Lahti Symphony Orchestra, Osmo Vänskä (BIS)

Cello Concerto (1983-1984)Gary Hoffman, Lahti Symphony Orchestra, Osmo Vänskä (BIS)