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Born 29.04.1951 at Valkeakoski, Finland.
High School diploma 1969 South West High Scholl, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Studied Indology, Philosophy and Musicology in the Helsinki University from 1971,
but decided to concentrate on musical composition. Graduated from The Sibelius-Academy in composition in 1978, after a degree in music theory in 1976. Continued his studies in Krakow, Poland in 1979, Siena Italy 1979 and went to the United States as a Fulbright scholar in 1980-1981. Studied at the Eastman School of Music with Joseph Schwantner.
Has studied classical Tamil and Indian culture (1999- 2006, on and off) with Professor I. Sundaramurti, the formed vice chancellor of the Tanjore Tamil University.
Was nominated a Senior Lecturer in composition at The Sibelius-Academy in 1982, but got a state grant (2x 5 years) for composition at the same time, and spent 10 years dividing his time between teaching and composition.
Got a long term state grant for composition in 1992 (until April 2011) and left his
Lecturership. Was nominated a Docent in 2001 (corresponds roughly to a visiting professor in the U.S.). Has taught Western Music at the Brihaddhvani institute of world music in Chennai. India (1992-2002 on and off).
Was the composer in recidence of the Mikkeli Orchestra 1997-99 and The Tapiola Sinfonietta 2000-2002.
Was the founder and first chairman of â€Korvat Auki†a society for the promotion of contemporary music 1976-79.
The chairman of Finland-India Society 1991-93.
Was artistic director of the Helsinki Biennale 1997.
Got the Kalevala Prize in 1990.
His â€Nattuvanar†for mail choir won the UNESCO rostrum for composers in 1994.
A chevalier of the order of The White Rose of Finland, 2001.
Is the founder, director and pianist of the Nada ensemble from 1994.
Compositions:
Four Symphonies, 2 violin concerti and a viola concerto.The 4th Symphony was shortlisted for the TEOSTO Prize, the largest composition prize in Finland.
Two full lenght ballets (â€Loviisa†and â€Leonardoâ€) both commissioned by the National Ballet of Finland.
Three String Quartets (CD by Kerava Quartet, Jase CD 0043)
Countless chamber works and works for jazz ensembles etc.
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