Joonas Kokkonen
1973
In addition to his work as a composer, Joonas Kokkonen held numerous positions of trust in the fields of music and culture. Kokkonen attained a uniquely influential status in Finnish musical life—so much so that he was sometimes referred to as the “The Kekkonen of Music”.
Born 13 November 1921 in lisalmi, Finland
Died 2 October 1996 in Järvenpää, Finland
Member of the Academy of Finland
Studied in Helsinki, Austria, Switzerland and the Federal Republic of Germany
Professor of Composition: Sibelius Academy 1959–1963
Chairman:
Society of Finnish Composers 1965–1970,
Finnish Composers Copyright Bureau 1968–1988 (Teosto)
Member:
Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm, Académie Européenne des Sciences, des Arts et des Lettres 1981–1996
Honorary Doctorate:
University of Jyväskylä,
University of Helsinki
Works:
opera
four symphonies
other orchestral works
Requiem
cello concerto
chamber music
choral and other vocal music
piano works
Wihuri International Prize 1961 together with Pentti I. Halonen and Väinö Hovi
Music Prize of the Nordic Council 1968.
