Tragic death of a leading Finn, 48
RIPThe composer, violinist and conductor Jaakko Kuusisto died today of the brain tumour he had been diagnosed with in 2020.
Jaako formed a violin duo as a boy with his brother Pekka Kuusisto, who remained his closest friend.
Both were sons and grandsons of composers. Jaako wrote at least six good concertos, among some 40 compisitions.
Both studied in Indiana with Miriam Fried. Jaako returned to Finland as concertmster of Osmo Vänskä’s Lahti Symphony.
At the Savonlinna Opera Festival he ran a boat service with his wife, Maija. She survives him, with two sons from a previous marriage.
His loss is felt across the whole of Finnish music.
Report here.
UPDATE: Pekka writes:
Dear all,
Our beloved Jaakko passed away today.
I can’t even imagine what a translation algorithm will do to what I wrote in Finnish, but I don’t have it in me to translate it myself just yet.
Jaakko went with peace and grace, without pain, and we will never stop thanking him for all that he was and all that he gave.
The picture is from last Christmas.
What terribly tragic news. My deepest sympathies to his family.
RIP to someone who was clearly much loved.
And peace to his survivors.
Terrible.A wonderful musician and mensch,like his brother.I had hoped and prayed for his recovery….Heartbreaking news….
Absolutely dreadful. Beyond appalling. This shocking disease is on the rise.
Please correct the spelling. Jaakko, not Jaako.
Such terrible news… my condolences to Pekka and all the family for their loss.