biography
Ilona Korhonen is a female musician, dedicated to the bone to folk music, and involved in all kinds of music, mostly vocal.
Korhonen is familiar with many aspects of a musician’s work: composing, ensemble playing, producing, singing, teaching, researching and working as a consult.
Before turning completely to folk music, Ilona Korhonen studied at the Sibelius Academy Department of Music Education to become a secondary school and upper secondary school music teacher and took plenty of studies in choir conducting and pedagogy. In 2007, she was accepted to study at the Department of Folk Music, and she became Master of Music in 2003.
The subject of Korhonen’s doctoral dissertation, accepted with honours in the summer 2012, was Ingrian runo-singing, focusing on solo runo-singing. The muse and central character of the dissertation was the most famous Ingrian runo-singer, Larin Paraske (1834–1904). The title of the dissertation, “Tulin kuin tulikipuna – Larin Parasken runolauluopissa” (“I Came Like a Spark Of Fire – Learning Runo-Singing with Larin Paraske”), is an apt description of Korhonen’s journey to the heart of runo-singing, guided by Larin Paraske. Runo-singing is, in fact, Korhonen’s strongest suit. The written work of the dissertation consisted of three parts, the most important of which was a poem collection “Kulje mulle yön valona” with poems written in the Kalevala metre by Korhonen herself.
Another field Korhonen has studied extensively is polyphony and choir singing in its many forms. As a part of her doctoral dissertation, she composed and performed an hour-long female choir piece based on Ingrian polyphony, “Tarkka pää, tania mieli”, with her own ensemble. The basis of this great task was Korhonen’s diverse knowledge of choir music obtained through her choir singing hobby and work as a choir conductor and choral composer. Korhonen worked as the artistic director of Vantaan kamarikuoro for 13 years, composing plenty of music for traditional chamber choir, as well as forming important contacts in the choir community. Contacts with vocal music performers of all kinds across the genres have led to many collaborations and have encouraged singers to commission compositions from Korhonen.
Korhonen teaches folk music theory, specifically transcription, at the Sibelius Academy Department of Folk Music. She has spent a long time familiarizing herself with this kind of work; she has participated the Finnish Literature Society’s music transcription project already since 2003 by transcribing all runo-singing samples in the Society’s so-called “A-nauhat” record archive. This has taught her to analyse the process of folk music transcription and computer assisted notation. She has actively advanced general transcription practices as well as the Finnish conventions of folk music transcription. In this project, she has developed important and close connections with folk music and folklore researchers.
In October 2012, Ilona Korhonen received the annual Larin Paraske Award, given out by The Kalevala Women’s Association to a skilled wordsmith. In July 2014 she won national folk music ”Konsta Jylhä -competition”, in traditional competition in Kaustinen.
At the moment, Korhonen is working on her compositions for female choir and composing singer/songwriter material for her ensembles, funded by the National Council for Music’s one year artist grant. She also gives concerts in Finland as well as all over Europe, performing at the moment mostly as a runo-singing soloist.
Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
2005-2012 Sibelius Academy, Department of Folk Music
Department of Folk Music: Doctor of Music
(Art Study Programme)
grade kiitoksella hyväksytty, (passed with honours), May 4th, 2012
1997-2003 Sibelius Academy, Department of Folk Music, major instrument Folk Singing
Department of Folk Music: Master of Music, December 18, 2003
Bachelor of Music, October 26th, 2001
Instrument Teacher’s Pedagogical Studies (35 credits)
1991-1997 Sibelius Academy, Department of Music Education, major instrument Singing
Qualification to teach music at comprehensive and upper secondary
school level (main subject 55 credits + education studies 35 credits + Master’s degree)
Studies in choir conducting (level C)
1998-1991 Vantaanjoki musical upper secondary school
Graduated 1991, grade magna cum laude approbatur
CURRENT WORK
2011 Freelance musician, entrepreneur
2013 National Council for Music, artist grant
2000- Teacher, Sibelius Academy, Department of Folk Music, transcription and notation using Sibelius
COMPOSITIONS
2013 “Metsän tyttö” for female voices, commissioned by Slavonic Tractor, (premiered 5/2013)
2011 “Metsän sävel”, commissioned by Sibelius Academy for the Folk Big Band (premiered September 7, 2011 in Helsinki Music Centre)
2010 ”Naisen sanat” for female choir, commissioned by Naiskuoro Elegia, (premiered 12/2010, Helsinki)
2009 ”Tarkka pää, tania mieli” for female choir, based on text by Larin Paraske; composed for Ilona Korhonen Ensemble, duration 55 min.
2009 “Join” commissioned by Cantabile choir, (premiered 3/09)
2008 “Kolmen pojan puut” for children’s choir and audio track, commissioned by Juminkeko foundation
2007 “Tammi”, entered in the composition competition arranged by chamber choir Tritonuksen laulajat; earned a spot in the finale and the audience’s choice award (the finale took place April 28, 2007)
2007 ”Onko laivoi issoin laivoi?”, entered in the composition competition arranged by Turun konservatorion kamarikuoro chamber choir; earned a spot in the finale
2006 composing and directing music for stage production ”Erilainen Kalevala”, for Monita and Kassandra ry
2005 ”Suruvirsi”, entered in the composition competition arranged by the choir Grex Musicus; received a special mention
2004 ”Kehtolaulu”, III prize in composition competition arranged by Suomen naiskuoroliitto (premiered March 5th 2005, Jyväskylä)
2004 ”Aina jonkun tytär” theatre project for Kassandra ry, dir. Ritva Siikala, (premiered April 11th in Helsinki)
2004 ”Kansallis-Sarja”, commissioned by Elvis ry. for their 50th anniversary celebrations (premiered July 11th 2004, Kaustinen)
2003 ”Marian virsi” (text: Arhippa Perttunen) for mixed choir and soloists, duration 60 min. Performed by Vantaan kamarikuoro chamber choir and soloists (premiere December 10th 2003, Vantaa)
2003 Ilona ja Huvina: a composition concert and the entire repertoire
2000- Vonkale: the entire repertoire for the duo Vonkale, total duration over 90 minutes. Record released in February 2004 (Roima).
1992-1996 The entire repertoire of Berenicen hiukset folk music orchestra
ENSEMBLE WORK
2008 Ilona Korhonen ensemble, a female choir consisting of 17 professional folk singers
2003- Ilona ja Huvina, concerts
1999- Member of Voice Theatre Iki-Turso
1999- Duo Vonkale with kantele player Pauliina Kauhanen: concerts and performances in various events and festivals in Finland, Great Britain and Japan
1992-1996 Folk music ensemble Berenicen Hiukset
1992- Performed as a member of various ensembles, including Suden Aika, Tanhuvaara, Entiset Ystäväni, Uusi Parempi Maku, Jari Rättyä & Sokea Hevonen, Suomen kurkkulaulajat, Joulupukkiorkesteri, Carelian Sound and Voice Theatre Iki-Turso ensembles.
EXPERIENCE AS A MUSICIAN
2013 Paavele! – pieni runolaulurapsodia, Helsinki Festival, in Aamu Song´s Reddress. 8/13
2013 Hõimuöhtu, concert in Tallin Old City Music House – Vanalinna Muusikamaja 3/13
2012 Pekka Kuusisto & Ilona Korhonen: ”Paraske ja Sibelius”, Our Festival in Tuusulanjärvi
2012 Sakari Oramo & Ilona Korhonen: ”Sibelius ja Paraske”, Kokkola Opera Summer
2012 Completed Doctor of Music degree
2007-2010 Assistant, Sibelius Academy
1995-2012 Artistic director, Vantaan kamarikuoro chamber choir
2012 5th doctoral diploma concert: “Minä, Paraske” in the crypt at Helsinki Cathedral February 26th and 28th
2010 Artistic producer on Slavonic Tractor: Slavonic Tractor (Alba 2010)
2009 4th doctoral diploma concert: ”Rautamuurahainen”, Koko Theatre
2008 3rd doctoral diploma concert: Ilona Korhonen ensemble: “Tarkka pää, tania mieli”; Temppeliaukio Church
2007 2nd doctoral diploma concert: “Jyrki”, Stoa
2007 1st doctoral diploma concert: “Metsän Sävel”, Q-teatteri theatre
2005 “Carmen Rhythmicum”, a commissioned piece performed with Pauliina Syrjälä in Sherborne, England.
2004 First performance of ”Iloveet”, a piece commissioned from Pekka Jalkanen by the Finnish Literature Society; Vantaan kamarikuoro chamber choir, soloist Sanna Kurki-Suonio
2003 First performance and additional performances of Ilona Korhonen’s ”Marian virsi” with Vantaan kamarikuoro chamber choir
2003- Ilona ja Huvina, concerts in Helsinki
2003 Vonkale: ”Koivu kasvoi” concert, commissioned by Kihaus Folk Festival, Rääkkylä
2003 A concert of Stone Age music, commissioned by Kierikki Stone Age Centre, Yli-Ii
2003 Singer in ”Vauvaoratorio” (comp. Heikki Laitinen), Hämeenlinna Church
2002- Researcher and musician (notation), Finnish Literature Society’s runo-singing research project
1999- Member of Voice Theatre Iki-Turso: singer, voice artist
1999/2002 Soloist at the Finnish National Opera (Tapio Tuomela: ”Äidit ja Tyttäret”, dir. Erik Söderblom)
1998- Artistic director, Vantaan kamarikuoro ry
2002 Club manager, Korvia hivelevän musiikin klubi, Helsinki
2001 Soloist with the Santa Claus Orchestra at a Christmas Festival in Hong Kong
2000 Vonkale: ”Kaikki on Tarjan syytä”, a concert with Ilona Korhonen’s compositions
2000 Carelian Sound ensemble; performances at the Wasshoi! Festival in Osaka, Japan
1994-2000 Artistic director, entertainment choir Sonante
1999 Workshops and performances in Nampula and Maputo, Mozambique, as a member of PAND – Artists For Peace group
1995- Folk singer and soloist, various concerts and performances in Finland and abroad
1995- Arrangements for various mixed choirs, including Vantaan kamarikuoro chamber choir and Sonante
1992-1997 Singer, Kampin Laulu chamber choir
1992-1996 Singer and composer, Berenicen hiukset folk music ensemble
EXPERIENCE IN THEATRE AND MUSICAL THEATRE
2012-2013 Jyväskylä city theatre: ”Myrskyluodon Maija” , directing singers, folk singing consultant
2006 Monita and Kassandra ry: ”Erilainen Kalevala” stage production, director Inkeri Kivimäki; composer and musical director
2004 Kassandra ry: “Aina jonkun tytär” theatre project, director Ritva Siikala; composer and musical director; premiered April 11th in Helsinki
2003 Singer in ”Vauvaoratorio” (comp. Heikki Laitinen), Hämeenlinna Church
1999/2002 Soloist at the Finnish National Opera: ”Äidit ja Tyttäret”, dir. Erik Söderblom
2002 Voice Theatre Iki-Turso, singer, voice artist: ”Imaanin Huuto”, Cairo International Festival For Experimental Theatre, Egypt
2002 Voice Theatre Iki-Turso, singer, voice artist: ”Imaanin Huuto”, Ateneum-sali
2002 Voice Theatre Iki-Turso, singer, voice artist: ”Soivan metsän sinfonia”, Suomussalmi
2002 Voice Theatre Iki-Turso, singer, voice artist: performance in celebration of Kemi regional festival
2002 Voice Theatre iki-Turso, singer, voice artist: ”Hrrrmmm!” at the Children’s Theatre Festival, Kuusankoski
2002 Voice Theatre Iki-Turso, singer, voice artist: musical guide in the Soivat opastukset project, Helsinki City Museum
2002 Voice Theatre iki-Turso, singer, voice artist: a children’s concert, the Time Of Music Festival in Viitasaari
2002 Koko Theatre, singer: ”In the View of the Wise” by Jovanka Trbojevic in Slaavilaisen irrationalismin ilta 3
2001 Voice Theatre iki-Turso, singer, voice artist: concert in connection with an international singing pedagogues’ seminar, Opera House, Helsinki
2001 Voice Theatre Iki-Turso, singer, voice artist: ”Imaanin huuto” at Tenalji von Fersen in Suomenlinna, Ääniä Festival, Helsinki
2000 Voice Theatre Iki-Turso, singer, voice artist: ”Kalevala” stage production, Art Berezillia avant garde theatre festival in Kiev, Ukraine
1999 Voice Theatre Iki-Turso, singer: a series of 14 runo-singing concerts, Omapohja stage at the Finnish National Theatre, Helsinki
1999 Q-teatteri, runo-singer and actor: ”Sammon ryöstö”, dir. Atro Kahiluoto, Helsinki-Reykjavik
TEACHING
1997-2011 Conductor, Artistic director, Vantaan kamarikuoro – Vantaa Chamber Choir
2002- Teacher, Sibelius Academy (subjects include folk music theory, folk singing and ensemble playing)
2003 Director of musicians in Tanssipromenadi, Sibelius Academy / Theatre Academy
2000-2001 Folk music teacher, Mikkeli Music Institute
2001- Substitute teacher in various primary and secondary schools around the Uusimaa region
1998 Director of singers, ”Otin nuotin notkiamman”, a folk song musical by Raisa Vattulainen at the Theatre Academy
OTHER WORK
2007-2011 Assistant, Sibelius Academy
1995-2011 Musical Director, Vantaan kamarikuoro chamber choir
2002- Researcher and musician, research and notation project at The Finnish Literature Society
2001-2002 Office secretary, Sibelius Academy Concert Office
1995-1997 Office secretary and department secretary, Sibelius Academy Admission Office
AWARDS
2012 The Kalevala Women’s Association, Larin Paraske Award
2007 Tampere Vocal Music Festival 2007, chorus review: prize for conducting
2007 Audience’s choice award for the piece ”Tammi” in composition competition arranged by Tritonuksen laulajat chamber choir
2007 Finalist in the composition competition arranged by Turun konservatorion kamarikuoro chamber choir with the piece ”Onko laivoi issoin laivoi?” (January 20th 2007)
2005 A special mention for the piece “Suruvirsi” for mixed choir (SSAATTBB) in the composition competition arranged by the choir Grex Musicus
2004 ”Kehtolaulu” for female choir and a soloist, III prize in composition competition arranged by Suomen naiskuoroliitto
GRANTS
2013 National Council for Music, one year artist grant
2012 Elvis ry, 5000 € for composing
2012 Kalevala Koru cultural foundation, 5000 €, for composing
2007 Finnish Cultural Foundation, 16 000 € for doctoral studies
2006 Niilo Helander foundation, 5000 € for doctoral studies
2005 National Council for Music, one year artist grant, starting July 2006
2005 Sibelius Academy Foundation, 3600 € for preparing a doctoral diploma concert
2004 Kalevala Koru cultural foundation, 2000 €, composing a runo-singing piece
2004 Georg Malmstén Foundation, 1000 € for composing and arranging
2001-2004 Finnish Cultural Foundation and Finnish Literature Society SKS, a 2.5-year grant for participating in SKS’s runo-song research project
1999-2004 Numerous grants for various projects carried out with a team
RECORDS AND PUBLICATIONS
2012 ”Tulin kuin tulikipuna – Larin Parasken runolauluopissa”, written work for Doctor of Music degree
2009 Ilona Korhonen ensemble: Tarkka pää, tania mieli (comp. Ilona Korhonen) (Ääniä 2009)
2006 Ilona ja Huvina: Aulis (Ääniä 2006)
2005 Vantaan kamarikuoro solisteineen: Marian virsi (comp. Ilona Korhonen), released March 13th, 2005 (VKK)
2004 Vonkale: Seppo, released February 26th (Roima)
2003 Tapio Tuomela: Äidit ja Tyttäret
2001 Compilation: Friiti 3
2000 Sonante: Parasta ennen
1999 Tapio Tuomela: Jokk
1999 Kamarikuoro Kampin laulu: Kadonneet lahjat
1998 Kamarikuoro Kampin laulu: Something Rich and Strange
MEMBERSHIPS
2003- The Finnish Society of Composers and Lyricists ELVIS ry
2000- Finnish Literature Society
LANGUAGES
English – excellent
Swedish – good
German – basics
Italian – basics
OTHER
2010- Pukkilan Martat, member of the board
2010 Neulekirja – Tähkäpää ja muut lempineuleet – a knitting book published by Gummerus 2010