Kuusisto, Ilkka Taneli

Kuusisto, Ilkka Taneli, Finnish composer, conductor, and administrator, son of Taneli Kuusisto; b. Helsinki, April 26, 1933. He studied organ at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki; also composition with Arre Meri-kanto and Fougstedt. In 1958 he went to N.Y. to study organ with Seth Bingham, and later continued his studies in Germany and Vienna. Returning to Helsinki, he was a conductor at the City Theater (1965-68; 1971-75) and also head of the Klemetti Inst. (1969–71). After serving as artistic director of Fazer Music (1981–84), he was general manager of the Finnish National Opera (1984–92).

Works

dramatic: Opera: Muumiooppera (1974); Miehen kylkiluu (1977); Sota valosta (1980; Helsinki, April 2, 1981);Jääkäri Stahl (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 Soloists, Youth Chorus, and Organ (1957); Crucifixus for Baritone and String Quartet (1959); The Pain and Alfhid, 2 songs for Baritone, 2 Clarinets, and Strings (1972); other songs.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire