Joonas Kokkonen

Joonas Kokkonen
Joonas Kokkonen in the 1950s.
Born	(1921-11-13)November 13, 1921.
Died	October 1, 1996(1996-10-01) (aged 74)
Occupation	composer
Known for	symphonies opera
Notable work	Viimeiset kiusaukset

Joonas Kokkonen ( pronunciation ) (November 13, 1921 – October 2, 1996) was a Finnish composer. He was one of the most internationally famous Finnish composers of the 20th century after Sibelius; his opera The Last Temptations has received over 500 performances worldwide, and is considered by many to be Finland's most distinguished national opera.

Joonas was born in Iisalmi, Finland, but spent the latter part of his life in Järvenpää at his home, which was known as "Villa Kokkonen", designed by Alvar Aalto and finished in 1969. He served in the Finnish army during World War II with great distinction. He received his education at the University of Helsinki, and later at the Sibelius Academy, where he afterwards taught composition; his students there included Aulis Sallinen. In addition to his activities as a composer, he made a significant and powerful impact on Finnish cultural life, serving as a chairman and organizer, heading organizations such as Society of Finnish Composers, the Board of the Concert Centre, and others. His purpose was always to improve music education, as well as the status and appreciation of classical music as well as Finnish music. In the 1960s and early 1970s he won numerous prizes for his work. He was appointed to the prestigious Finnish Academy upon the death of Uuno Klami. His composition activity slowed down greatly after the death of his wife and increased alcohol consumption. He had long planned a Fifth Symphony but nothing was ever committed to paper and it died with him.