In English

I’m Maija Ruuskanen, a Finnish composer, musician, conductor, and music theatre professional. I studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and soon became active in both contemporary and theatre music scenes. My work spans classical compositions, jazz-flavoured pop, sound design, and music for theatre and performance.

My first opera, Herääminen (Awakening, 2017), written for baritone, choir, saxophone quartet, and percussion, tells the story of Paavo Ruotsalainen and themes of mercy and forgiveness. The opera is also released as an album.

Recent and upcoming projects include Nämä juhlat jatkuvat vielä (Turku City Theatre 2025, Finnish National Theatre 2026), Talvisirkus Filmi (Hurjaruuth 2025), and Itseen kirjoitettu (TTT 2026).

As a songwriter, I founded the Ruuskanen Railio Company in 2003 and released our first recording, Tänään (Today), in 2006. My artistic work has been supported by several grants, most recently from the Arts Promotion Centre Finland.

Alongside composing and performing, I collaborate widely with Finnish musicians and serve on the boards of Teosto and other organizations, where I advocate for openness and stronger rights for composers.

SELECTED WORKS

Talvisirkus Fantasia
Circus | Hurjaruuth 2024

Äärimmäisyys
Opera | Musiikkiteatteri Kapsäkki 2021

Lehman Trilogy (Lehman-trilogia)
Play | Espoo City Theatre 2020 | TTT 2022

Saxophone Quartetto
Akateeminen Saksofonikvartetti 2018

Mauri ja mini-isoveli
Play | Finnish National Theatre 2018 | Imatra City Theatre 2019

Herääminen
Opera | Musiikkiteatteri Kapsäkki 2017

Vaskivuorentie 20
Radio theatre play | YLE 2017

Mauri ja vähä-älypuhelin
Play  | Finnish National Theatre 2016

Puluboin ja Ponin teatteri
Music theatre play | Finnish National Theatre 2015

Puistokabaree
Musical | Musiikkiteatteri Kapsäkki 2015

Bodyscapes/Kehamaastikud
Sound art | Museum of Estonian Architecture, Tallinn 2015

Puputyttö
Radio theatre play | YLE 2014 & 2019

Sauna
Mask theatre | Teatteri Metamorfoosi 2011