The violinist Pekka Kuusisto has made known the death of his father today. Ilkka Kuusisto, a hugely versatile influence in Finnish music, was 91 years old.
He composed 18 operas, of which the The Moomin Opera (1974) written in collaboration with Tove Jansson, was immensely popular with children.
Ilkka started out as deputy director of music at the national broadcaster Yle, going on to be director of the Radio Symphony Choir from 1968 to 1977. He was director of Finnish National Opera together with Jorma Hynninen and Paavo Suokko from 1984 to 1992.
Three years ago, he suffered the tragic loss of his musician son Jaakko, followed by Jaakko’s mother, Marja-Liisa Kuusisto.
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