Sanna Ahvenjärvi

Composer

Photo: Sami Mustonen

I am a bold crasher, emotional melodist, complex composer who can also compose "simple" music. My works are characterised by an emotional catharsis, comfort and an almost therapeutic vibe.

In addition to my own compositions, I have also been co-composing music with my composer husband Tapio Lappalainen since 2013, which is very rare in the field of classical art music. The result is music that neither of us would compose on our own. Our long relationship has given us a superpower of mutual discussion and understanding, which allows us to work together, respecting each other's ideas and thoughts.

The work "Water" for symphony orchestra, commissioned by the Tampere Philharmonic, was awarded the Teosto Prize 2023, one of the largest art prizes in the Nordic countries.

You can listen Water here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iw1tFtxNw8

"In rhythm music, partners like Lennon-McCartney and Andersson-Ulvaeus are already classics. It will be exciting to see whether Ahvenjärvi-Lappalainen will become a similar combination in art music." Hannu Hirvelä / Kaleva, October 5th 2023

Latest

"Water" won the Teosto Prize 2023!

April 28, 2023

Our symphony orchestra composition " Water", co-composed with Tapio Lappalainen, won the Teosto Prize in 2023! The work was commissioned by the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra and premiered at the Tampere Biennale Festival 2022 with Rebecca Tong as conductor.

Teosto-palkintoehdokkuus

March 1, 2023

Emmepä olisi syksyllä 2018 arvanneet, kun Tampere Filharmonia tilasi meiltä orkesterisävellyksen, että se tulee olemaan vuonna 2023 Teosto-palkintoehdokkaana!