In English
Maija Ruuskanen is a versatile composer, musician and music theatre professional from Finland. Already during her studies at the renowned Sibelius Academy in Helsinki she established herself as a pianist and composer in the contemporary music and theatre music scenes in Helsinki. Her works include jazz flavoured pop songs, sound designing and strong songs for theatre and performances, as well as commissioned classical compositions.
Her first opera Herääminen (2017) is written for a barytone, choir, saxophone quartet and a percussionist. Story is about a Finnish charismatic preacher Paavo Ruotsalainen, about mercy and forgiving. About a man who got totally tired of always trying harder. The album of the opera Herääminen (Awakening) was released on summer 2017.
At the moment Maija Ruuskanen is concentrating on writing music for upcoming productions like Mustu Loukko (premiere Music Theatre Kapsäkki 2023) and Anatomy of a Suicide (premiere Espoo City Theatre 2024).
As songwriter she released her first recording, Tänään (Today) in 2006 with the formation Ruuskanen Railio Company, founded in 2003. The musical style of this acoustic band could be best described as pop music with a scent of jazz and folk influences. Maija Ruuskanen has received several grants from different organisation and foundations for her artistic work as composer.
Maija Ruuskanen has also played with a number of Finnish singers and musicians in the contemporary music and theatre music scenes, as well as with classical singers at the Savonlinna Opera Festival. Musicians she has worked with include among others: Eija Ahvo, Tapani Kansa, Eino Grön, Pauli Hanhiniemi, Paula Koivuniemi, Ahti Paunu, Verneri Pohjola, Jussi Kannaste, Marzi Nyman.
SELECTED WORKS
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