Kalevi Aho at 75

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Kalevi Aho, one of Finland’s most celebrated contemporary composers. There will be numerous concerts to mark the event during 2024. The Saimaa Sinfonietta commissioned him to write his 18th symphony (world premiere in Mikkeli on 8 February). The Oulu Symphony Orchestra under Jessica Cottis premiered Aho’s Double Concerto with Christel Lee (violin) and Jonathan Roozeman (cello) as the soloists on 25 April.

Aho’s new concerto for kantele and string orchestra will see its first performance in August; the soloist in the Mikkeli City Orchestra’s concert is Laura Linkola.