Name
Kajanus, Robert

Gender
Male

Birth
December 2, 1856

Death
July 6, 1933

Descriptive Note

Robert Kajanus was a Finnish composer. He studied music theory and violin in Helsinki, Leipzig, and  Paris. He worked in Dresden after his graduation and returned to Helsinki in 1882. He founded the first permanent orchestra in Finland: the Helsinki Orchestral Society (later, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Finland's national orchestra). Kajanus led the Helsinki Philharmonic for 50 years. In 1897 he was appointed director of music at the University of Helsinki, where he taught 29 years. Kajanus was the first president of the Finnish Musicians' Union, nd the founder of the Nordic Music Festival. He was the recipeint of the French Légion d'honneur.

Kajanus was a prolific composer. Among his most famous pieces are Aino and the Finnish Rhapsodies. He orchestrated the Finnish national anthem, Maamme (Our Country) and the honor march of the Finnish Defense Forces, which is the Finnish presidential march.

On the occasion of the Exposition of Turin 1911, Kajanus was invited to direct two concerti sinfonici in the Pavilion of Festivals and Concerts, all devoted to Finnish music:

May 27, 1911: pieces by Sibelius, Kajanus, Kuula, Jarnefelt, and Palmgren.

May 31, 1911: pieces by Sibelius, Kajanus, Melartin, and Jarnefelt.

Roles
Performing Artists, Conductors (Musicians)

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