Role

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Composer

Birth

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July 22, 1975 in Finland

 

Uljas Pulkkis is a Finnish composer who was born on October 6, 1975, in Helsinki, Finland. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a composer and his mother a pianist. Pulkkis started playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the violin and the guitar. He was also interested in rock music and played in a band during his teenage years. Pulkkis studied composition at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where he received his Master's degree in 2001. He also studied at the Royal College of Music in London and the University of California, San Diego. His teachers included Eero Hämeenniemi, Paavo Heininen, Brian Ferneyhough, and Roger Reynolds. Pulkkis's music is characterized by its colorful orchestration, complex rhythms, and use of extended techniques. He often draws inspiration from nature, literature, and mythology. His works have been performed by leading orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. One of Pulkkis's early works is his Piano Concerto, which he composed in 1999. The piece is in three movements and features virtuosic piano writing and a colorful orchestration. The concerto was premiered by pianist Risto-Matti Marin and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sakari Oramo. In 2002, Pulkkis composed his Symphony No. 1, which was commissioned by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. The symphony is in four movements and is inspired by the Finnish epic poem Kalevala. The work features a large orchestra and includes sections for solo violin and solo cello. The premiere was conducted by Leif Segerstam. Pulkkis's music often explores the relationship between sound and silence. In his work Enchanted Garden, which he composed in 2005, he uses long periods of silence to create a sense of mystery and anticipation. The piece is scored for a large orchestra and includes sections for solo violin and solo cello. The premiere was conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste. In 2008, Pulkkis composed his Violin Concerto, which was commissioned by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra. The concerto is in three movements and features virtuosic violin writing and a colorful orchestration. The work was premiered by violinist Pekka Kuusisto and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Hannu Lintu. Pulkkis's music often incorporates elements of Finnish folk music. In his work On the Crest of Waves, which he composed in 2010, he uses folk melodies and rhythms to create a sense of energy and excitement. The piece is scored for a large orchestra and includes sections for solo violin and solo cello. The premiere was conducted by John Storgårds. In 2013, Pulkkis composed his Symphony No. 2, which was commissioned by the BBC Symphony Orchestra. The symphony is in four movements and is inspired by the Finnish landscape. The work features a large orchestra and includes sections for solo violin and solo cello. The premiere was conducted by Sakari Oramo. Pulkkis's music often explores the relationship between sound and space. In his work Solar Winds, which he composed in 2016, he uses spatialization techniques to create a sense of movement and depth. The piece is scored for a large orchestra and includes sections for solo violin and solo cello. The premiere was conducted by John Storgårds.

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