Saariaho, Kaija (1952– )

Finnish composer. She has composed orchestral and instrumental music employing computers and electronics.

Saariaho studied at the Helsinki Conservatory 1976–81, and with Brian Ferneyhough and Klaus Huber at Freiburg.

Works Orchestral theatre and multimedia pieces, including Study for life (1980), Kollisionen (1984), Earth ballet (1991); Verblendungen (1984); Graal Theatre for violin and orchestra (1994).

Ensemble Nymphea (1987), For the Moon (1990), Aer (1991), Gates (1991); Amers (1992); Nocturne for violin (1994); Trois rivières for percussion quartet and electronics (1993).

Choral and voice The Bride song cycle (1977); No and Not three songs for four female voices and choir (1979); From the Grammar of Dreams for two sopranos (1989); Nuits, Adieux for four voices and live electronics (1991); La dame à la licorne sound installation, with tape (1993).