Ilkka Kuusisto

Ilkka Kuusisto was one of contemporary Finland's most prolific opera composers, with an output ranging from children's music to the Kalevala, Finland's national epic. His instrumental and vocal works have also been widely performed. Kuusisto was also active as a choir director, organist, arts and broadcasting administrator, and educator. A number of his works have been recorded, and a collection of his orchestral music, Ilkka Kuusisto: Orchestral Works, appeared in 2011. Kuusisto remained active into old age, composing the song cycle Do not stand at my grave and weep in 2020. He died in Helsinki on February 20, 2025.