Kaija Saariaho

Kaija Saariaho (1952-2023) was one of the most noted Finnish contemporary composers and originator and patron of the Helsinki Music Centre organ project.

She wrote an extensive amount of vocal music, five operas, chamber music, and several symphonies composed for various symphony orchestras. Kaija Saariaho was a Finnish citizen who resided in Paris since 1984.

Saariaho endowed the organ with one million euros. Why? See Kaija’s video message.