Aulis Sallinen

Aulis Heikki Sallinen, born on 9 April 1935, is a renowned Finnish composer known for his contemporary classical music, which ranges from 'remorselessly harsh' to a 'neo-romantic' style. Educated at the Sibelius Academy under notable teachers, including Joonas Kokkonen, Sallinen's works span from operas and symphonies to concertos and chamber pieces. After an initial career teaching and managing, he was honored with an 'artist professorship,' leading to full-time dedication to composition, earning him prestigious commissions and the Nordic Council Music Prize for his opera Ratsumies (The Horseman) in 1978【31†source】.