It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Kaija Saariaho on 2 June 2023. The great Finnish composer died this weekend in Paris after a long illness. She left a prolific body of work that made her one of the best-known figures in contemporary classical music. Her compositions, in a recognisable style, often made use of Ircam techniques. Saariaho left her mark on both opera and concert, with powerful works such as the unforgettable opera L’Amour de Loin (based on a libretto by Amin Maalouf) or her major symphonic work Orion. Her last appearance on stage at the Orchestre de Paris concert conducted by Klaus Mäkelä last March will leave an indelible memory of a very great lady.

(c) MAARIT KYTÖHARJU