MAIJA KAUNISMAA
Composer and Singer
Vocal Coach @Finnvox Studios
Born in 1974 in Jyväskylä, Finland
www.maijakaunismaa.com
maijakaunismaa@me.com
+358505754833
COMPOSITIONS
(selected stage and film productions, concerts and albums)
2023- Sydännäyte, stage production, compositions, MD, conductor, musician and actor, premiere 03.10.2024 Ryhmäteatteri
2019- 2025 The Kanteletar, solo album, compositions, arrangements and production, release date 15.9.2025
2022 Maija Kaunismaa & Claes Andersson: En Morgon vid Havet, album, compositions, arrangements and production
2016–19 The Pine House Songs, solo album, lyrics, compositions, arrangements and production
2018 Lost Letter, audioplay and installation, The Museum of Kymenlaakso (commissioned)
2017 What you will – concert (commissioned) compositions for Shakespeare’s sonnets, Finnish translations made by Paleface and Aale Tynni, Baroque Ensemble Cornucopia (premiered 2018)
2016 Laura & Maija: Songs, concert (written, composed and performed together with actress Laura Malmivaara)
2014–16 The Origins : Fragments of the Hunt -silent film (written and directed by Mikko Ijäs)
2014–15 En morgon vid havet, concert (poems by Claes Andersson, directed by Raila Leppäkoski) 75th anniversary concert for Lilla Teatern, October 1. 2015, Lilla Teatern (Helsinki City Theater)
2014 Rakasta.Nyt. – kertojana kaupunki nimeltä Helsinki, stage production (written by Anna Krogerus, directed by Heini Tola), premiere at Teatteri Avoimet Ovet, Helsinki
2009–2014 Sallittu! concert (poems by Anna Krogerus) premiere at KOM-Theater, Helsinki
2013–2014 Kun kyyhkyset katosivat, stage production (written by Sofi Oksanen, directed by Raila Leppäkoski) Finnish National Theater, Helsinki
2012 Den förälskade terapeuten, (written by Claes Andersson, directed by Raila Leppäkoski) premiere at Lilla Teatern / Helsinki City Theater
2010–2011 Kertomuksia keittiöstä, stage production (written by Sofi Oksanen and Maija Kaunismaa, directed by Titta Halinen) premiere at Finnish National Theater, Helsinki
2010 Kasimir ja Karoline, stage production (written by Ödon von Horváth, directed by Irene Aho) Turku City Theater
2010 Eila, Rampe ja palvattu onni, stage production (written by Sinikka Nopola, directed by Heidi Räsänen) premiere at Helsinki City Theater
2010 Putka, concert (song lyrics by Laura Malmivaara) premiere at KOM-Theater, Helsinki
2009–2010 Haaskaa, concert, together with Kaj Chydenius, premiere at Kajaani Poetry Week 2010
2009 Kanteletar, concert, together with Eeppi Ursin, premiere at Kajaani Poetry Week 2009
2009 Siniväriset, stage production (written by Okko Leo, Kati Kaartinen and Outi Nyytäjä, directed by Heidi Räsänen) premiere at Q-Theater / Suomenlinna Summer Theatre, Helsinki
2008 High Heel Society, stage production (written and directed by Sofi Oksanen, Anna Veijalainen and Maija Kaunismaa) premiere at KokoTeatteri, Helsinki
2008 Leipäjonoballadi, stage production (written by Emilia Pöyhönen, directed by Heidi Räsänen) premiere at Teatteri Takomo, Helsinki
2008–2009 Taloyhtiömusikaali (written and directed by Minna Koskela) premiere at Teatteri Avoimet Ovet, Helsinki
2007 Fc-munasarja – elämä pilkulla, stage production (written by Heli Mustonen, directed by Kati Sirén) premiere at Valkeakoski City Theater
2007 Riihiukko, stage production (written by Andrus Kivirähk, directed by Anna Veijalainen) premiere at KokoTeatteri, Helsinki
2005–2007 Hetki tuulen sisällä, concert (song lyrics by Anna Krogerus, visualization Sini Liimatainen and Sakari Luhtala) premiere at Sellosali
2007 Narsisti, stage production (written by Taina West, directed by Henri Hanikka) premiere at KokoTeatteri, Helsinki
2006 Romeo ja Julia, stage production (written by Andrus Kivirähk, directed by Anna Veijalainen) premiere at KokoTeatteri, Helsinki
2005 Kuka nyt rakkautta haluaa, concert (poems by Tuomas Timonen) premiere at Helsinki Student Theatre
2005 Tyttöjen ilta, stage production (written and directed by Tuomas Timonen, Aune Kallinen) premiere at Ateneum Hall, Helsinki
2003 Rouva Hansaplastin kadonnut testamentti, stage production (written by Panu Pitkänen, directed by Erkki Teittinen) premiere at Conservatory of Middle Finland, Siltasali, Jyväskylän musiikkiluokat Ry
2001 Hetkisen helmi, contemporary dance production (choreography by Heidi Naakka) premiere at Turku Arts Academy
2000 Avarasylinen nainen, stage production (production based on short stories by Anna-Leena Härkönen dramatized and directed by Anne Saastamoinen) premiere at Jyväskylä City Theater
1999 Valtion miehet – Album (poems by Elina Karjalainen), Love Records, Helsinki
VOCAL COACHING
2020 – Vocal Coach, Finnvox Studios, Helsinki
2020 -2021 Vocal Coach, Hämeenlinna Theater, Hämeenlinna
2019 – Vocal Coach, Waldorf School Elias, Helsinki
2019 – 2022 Vocal Coach, Sibelius Academy, Global Music Department, Helsinki
MUSIC PRODUCTIONS (for other artists)
2023 Maija Saksman, Helsinki-lauluja, viiden laulun EP
2022 Tommi Läntinen, Lasten pitkä marssi, lapsikuoro-osuudet, Vain elämää, 13. tuotantokausi
2022 Aida, Kiinni jää suu, single
2022 Aida, Suljetussa huoneessa, single
THEATER PRODUCTIONS
2014 Rakasta. Nyt. (written by Anna Krogerus) MD, vocal coaching and music production
2013–2014 Kun kyyhkyset katosivat (written by Sofi Oksanen) conductor, MD and a musician
2012 Den förälskade terapeuten (written by Claes Andersson) conductor, MD and a musician
2011 Kertomuksia keittiöstä (written by Sofi Oksanen and Maija Kaunismaa) solo performance, musician and actress
2009–2010 Taloyhtiömusikaali (written by MInna Koskela) MD, musician and performer, role: Essi Paavola
2008–2010 Hildegard Knef – Onni tuntee vain minuutteja (written by Taina West, directed by Raila Leppäkoski) musician, KokoTeatteri, Helsinki, Tampere Theatre Festival 2009, Helsinki City Theater 2010
2008 Cádizin neiti (written by Maritza Nunes, directed by Laura Jäntti) musician and performer, role: Ludmila Rasputina, Festival Internacional de Teatro Iberoamericano, Cádiz (Spain)
2008–2009 High Heels Society (written and directed by Sofi Oksanen, Anna Veijalainen and Maija Kaunismaa) MD, musician and performer, role: Maiski, KokoTeatteri, Helsinki, Tampere Theatre Festival
2007 Riihiukko (written by Andrus Kivirähk) MD, musician, roles: Noita, Rutto and daughter of Pehtoori
2007 Narsisti (written by Taina West) MD, performer and musician, role: Margot, KokoTeatteri, Helsinki
2006 Bette “Sis” O`Valley (written by Satu Paavola, directed by Titta Halinen) arranger and musician, Puppet theater festival of the Barents Region (Rovaniemi), Nuku (Oulu), KokoTeatteri (Helsinki)
2006 Kadonnutta pesäpalloa etsimässä (written by Mattiesko Hytönen and Matti Linnavuori, directed by Janne Tapper) conductor, MD, musician, KokoTeatteri, Helsinki
2004 Elämälläni liemeen (written and directed by Tuomas Timonen) MD, musician, Lomakouhero Summer Theater, Karstula
2000 Avarasylinen nainen (production based on short stories by Anna-Leena Härkönen dramatized and directed by Anne Saastamoinen) MD, musician, Jyväskylä City Theater, Rauma-sali, Tampere Theatre Festival 2001
CONCERTS
2016 Laura & Maija: Lauluja, Galleria Vanha Savu (Merikarvia)
2014 Sallittu!- concert (poems by Anna Krogerus) KOM-Theater (Helsinki), Teatteri Avoimet Ovet (Helsinki), Jyväskylä City Theater, Tampere Theatre Festival
2012 Sofi Oksasen ajan musiikkia, Jyväskylä City Theater, Kuopio Music Centre, Jyväskylä Sinfonia and Kuopio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Atso Almila
2011 ”Liian lyhyt hame” and ”Kertomuksia keittiöstä” Double-album concert tour, Raumasali, Teatteri Provinssi (Salo), Sibelius Hall (Lahti), Jyväskylä City Theater, Kuusankoski House (Kouvola), TTT-Theatre (Tampere) Verkatehdas (Hämeenlinna), Vaasa City Theater, Oulu City Theater, Kaukametsä Hall (Kajaani)
2010 Haaskaa, Kajaani Poetry Week, KOM-Theater (Helsinki)
2010 Putka, KOM-Theater (Helsinki), Finnish National Theatre Club Scene (Helsinki)
2009 Kanteletar, Kajaani Poetry Week, Helsinki Festival / Runokuu, KOM-Theater (Helsinki)
2007 Hetki tuulen sisällä, Sellosali (Espoo), Kajaani Poetry Week, KokoTeatteri (Helsinki), Avoimet Ovet (Helsinki), KOM-Theater (Helsinki), Theater der Stadt Koblenz (Saksa)
2006–2008 Ilman Tyttöjä, KOM-Theater (Helsinki), KokoTeatteri (Helsinki), Islannin kansallisteatteri (Reykjavik) Tampere Theatre Festival, Vakiopaine (Jyväskylä) Oulu City Theater, Kajaani Poetry Week
2005 Kuka nyt rakkautta haluaa, concert (poems by Tuomas Timonen) Helsinki Student Theatre, KokoTeatteri (Helsinki)
MUSIC PRODUCTIONS
2019- The Kanteletar
2021-2022 Maija Kaunismaa Claes Andersson: En Morgon vid Havet, producers Maija Kaunismaa & Mikko Ijäs & Aki Sihvonen
2016–2019 The Pine House Songs, producers Maija Kaunismaa & Mikko Ijäs & Aki Sihvonen
2014–2016 The Origins- documentary film, produced together with Mikko Ijäs
2014 Sallittu!- concert, producer
2009–2010 Haaskaa! concert, producer
2008– Kanteletar-concert, producer
2008–2010 Hildegard Knef – Onni tuntee vain minuutteja, music theater, co-producer
2007 Narsisti stage production, co-producer
2007– Hetki tuulen sisällä, concert, co-producer
2006–2010 Memory Traces -cultural export production, producer of performing arts
2005 Kuka nyt rakkautta haluaa, concert, co-producer together with Mari Jalkanen
RECORDS
2022 En morgon vid havet (Maija Kaunismaa)
2020 The Pine House Songs (Maija Kaunismaa)
2020 The Origins : Fragments of the Hunt – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Maija Kaunismaa)
2011 Maija Kaunismaa: ”Liian lyhyt hame” & ”Kertomuksia keittiöstä” – double album (MuFarang International)
2000 Uppo-Nalle Orkesteri: ”Valtion miehet” album (Megamania) Digital album 2020 (Johanna Kustannus Oy)
BOOKS
2000 ”Valtion miehet” -song book based on album ”Uppo Nalle Orkesteri: Valtion miehet”. Published by Johannakustannus Oy
MEMBERSHIPS
2018 – Estill Voice Training Community
2018– 2019 Kanteleliitto Ry
2017– Finnish Society for Musician’s Medicine (SMULY)
2017– Zen Peacemakers International
2017–2022 Zen Center of Los Angeles
2016– Teosto Ry
2015– 2017 Helsinki Zen Center
2010– The Finnish Musicians’ Union
2006– 2012 KokoTeatteri, Helsinki Ry
2004– 2009 Improvisation Theater group Häpeämättömät
2001– The Finnish Society of Composers and Lyricists
EDUCATION
2023 Breathing and Support, Tim Richards, Helsinki
2023 – Estill Master Trainer-studies with EMCI Tim Richards (UK) and EMCI Helen Rowson (Spain) Graduation, June 2025
2019 9th Estill World Voice Symposium, Kig´s College, London
2019 Diction for Performers, Mary McDonald Klimek, Kim Steinhauer, Anne-Marie Speed, Royal Academy of Music, London
2018 – 2020 Estill studies with Mary McDonald Klimek, USA
2018 TRE-provider, trained by Jyrki Rytilä, Helsinki
2018 Estill Figure Professional (EFP) tested by Anne-Marie Speed, London
2018 Estill Voice Training, Advanced Figures & Voice Qualities Course, Anne-Marie Speed, Helsinki
2018 Jukai, preceptor Roshi Egyoku, Zen Center of Los Angeles, USA
2017- 2022 Zen studies, Roshi Egyoku, White Plum Asanga, Zen Peacemakers International, Zen Center of Los Angeles, USA
2017 Masterclass with Estill techniques, Eleanor Forbes, Helsinki
2016 Estill Voice Training, Advanced Figures & Voice Qualities Course, Anne-Marie Speed and Paul Farrington, London
2016 Estill Voice Training, Esitill in Lyrical/Legit Singing, Anne-Marie Speed, Helsinki
2016 Estill Voice Training, Level One – 13 Compulsory Figures and Level Two – 6 Voice Qualities, Anne-Marie Speed, Helsinki
2016 The Estill Papers – The research that underpins the Estill Voice Model, Mary McDonald Klimek, London
2016 Sound Science for Performers – Acoustic Principles of Singing, Voice & Speech, Principles underlying The Estill Voice Model, Mary McDonald Klimek, London
2015 Estill Voice Training, Complete 5 day Course in The Estill Voice Model, Level One – 12 Compulsory Figures and Level Two – 6 Voice Qualities, Anne-Marie Speed, Edinburgh
2015 Estill Voice Training, Level One – 12 Compulsory Figures and Level Two – 6 Voice Qualities, Anne-Marie Speed, Helsinki
2015 Estill Voice Training, Breathing, Support and Estill, Anne-Marie Speed, Helsinki
2015 Estill Voice Training, Tonque Taming, Anne-Marie Speed, Helsinki
2015 Estill Voice Training, Shifting Style: Moving from Disney to Brecht to Folk, Anne-Marie Speed, Helsinki
2015 – 2019 Regular Estill Practice Group with Ian Nicholas and Tim Richards, Helsinki City Theatre
2014 – Regular Estill private voice lessons in Helsinki, Berlin, London and online with Estill Master Teachers Ian Nicholas, Tim Richards, Eleanor Forbes and EMCI´s Anne-Marie Speed and Mary McDonald-Klimek
2005 Master of Arts (Education), majored both in music education and pedagogy, University of Jyväskylä
1991 Conservatory of Middle Finland, highest vocational degree in music, majoring in piano (teacher Raili Nykänen), Jyväskylä
PRIVATE GRANTS
2022 The Finnish Music Foundation (MES), working grant
2022 The Arts Promotion Centre Finland, working grant
2022 Musician´s Union, Working grant
2021 The Finnish Music Foundation (MES), working grant
2021 The Arts Promotion Centre Finland, working grant
2020 Musician´s Union, working grant
2020 The Arts Promotion Centre Finland, working grant
2020 The Arts Promotion Centre Finland, working grant
2019 The Finnish Music Foundation (MES), working grant
2019 Kobori Roshi Transportation Fund (Los Angeles), grant for travel and residency expenses
2018 Kobori Roshi Transportation Fund (Los Angeles), grant for travel and residency expenses
2018 Kobori Roshi Transportation Fund (Los Angeles), grant for travel and residency expenses
2018 The Finnish Music Foundation (MES), working grant
2017 Kobori Roshi Transportation Fund (Los Angeles), grant for travel and residency expenses
2016 People’s Educational fund, working grant
2015 The Arts Promotion Centre Finland, library grant for composing
2013 Georg Malmstén Foundation, working grant for composing
2013 People’s Educational fund, working grant
2010 The Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, half year working grant for 2011
2010 Esek (The Finnish Music Foundation), working grant
2008 The Arts Promotion Centre Finland, performing arts, one year working grant for 2009
2008 Esek (The Finnish Music Foundation), working grant
2007 The Alfred Kordelin Foundation, for Memory Traces Festival in Helsinki
2007 The Arts Council of Uusimaa, working grant
2005 Malmstén Foundation, working grant for composing
RESIDENCIES
2023 Villa Vikan, The Musicians’ Union of Finland, Pohja (Finland) 2023 Ático, The Musicians’ Union of Finland, Mijas (Spain)
2019 -2020 Zen Center of Los Angeles ZCLA, Buddha Essence Temple, Los Angeles (USA)
2018 Zen Center of Los Angeles ZCLA, Buddha Essence Temple, Los Angeles (USA)
2018 Zen Center of Los Angeles ZCLA, Buddha Essence Temple, Los Angeles (USA)
2017 Sfakiotes Residency, Lefkas (Greece)
2017 Zen Center of Los Angeles ZCLA, Buddha Essence Temple, Los Angeles (USA)
2016 Zen Center of New York City, Fire Lotus Temple, New York (USA)
2016 Sfakiotes Residency, Lefkas (Greece)
2015 Sfakiotes Residency, Lefkas (Greece)
Contact
maijakaunismaa@me.com
+358-50-5754833
Maija Kaunismaa 