Composer Jukka Tiensuu has received The State Prize for Music. Jukka Tiensuu is internationally known composer, pianist, conductor and improvisator. “He has created unique and innovative way of composing. He has also, in many ways, influenced Finnish music by organizing festivals such as Time of Music and Helsinki Biennale (nowadays known as Musica Nova Helsinki)”, the minister of culture and sport Paavo Arhinmäki declared in his speech at the award ceremony.

The State Prize for Music is highly respected annual acknowledgement that is given to an influential musician. Other composers or artist who have received the acknowledgement are jazz drummer Jukkis Uotila, conductor John Storgårds, composer Ilkka Kuusisto and pianist Liisa Pohjola, just to mention a few.