Background
Kokkonen, Joonas was born on November 13, 1921 in Lisalmi, Finland. Son of Heikki and Maria Kohkonc.
Kokkonen, Joonas was born on November 13, 1921 in Lisalmi, Finland. Son of Heikki and Maria Kohkonc.
Master of Arts, Helsinki University, 1948. Debut as pianist, 1950. Professor composition Sibelius Academy, 1959-1963.
Member Finnish Academy, since 1963.
Appearances as pianist in concerts of own music, as soloist in orchestral concerts and as chamber musician. Music critic, Helsinki, 1947-1963.
Compositions include: The Las Temptations opera, 4 symphonies. Chamber and choral works, solo songs, solo instrumental pieces.
President, Composers Copyright Bureau, Teosto, Helsinki, since 1968.
Pianist, 1950; professor composition Sibelius Academy, 1959—1963. Member Finnish Academy, since 1963. Music critic Helsinki, 1947—1963.
Member of Siberlius Academy Board Commissioners (chairman since 1966), Royal Swedish Academy Music, Nordic Composers Council (president 1968-1971), Society Finnish Composers 1965-1971.
Married Maija Heljo (divorced). Married Anita Mannelin, August 1980. Children: Jarmo, Leena, Iikka, Merja-Riitta, Arja-Maija.