Artist Category: Composers

Finnish composer Vladimir Agopov (of Armenian descent, former surname Akopian) was born in Ukraine 1953. He received his composer’s diploma at the Moscow Conservatory in 1977 after having studied with Aram Khachaturian and Edison Denisov. After moving to Finland, he continued his studies at the Sibelius Academy 1978–1984, guided by Paavo Heininen. His works have been performed in many countries and festivals, such as Kuhmo, Naantali, Kemiö, Korsholma, the Moscow Sibelius Week, International Festival of Arts, New York, 13th World Harp Congress in Hong Kong, World Music Days 2019 in Tallinn, and Moscow Autumn 2019. His production includes works for orchestra, choir, chamber ensembles, and theatre, as well as arrangements etc. Most notable works are Concerto for Organ and orchestra ‘Notre Dame’, Concerto for orchestra ‘Homage to Master’, Concerto for Cello and Orchestra ‘Tres viae’, Settembre per orchestra grande and Blackbird Variations for soprano and orchestra. Agopov’s works have been awarded in many competitions in Finland and abroad, such as second prize in the composition competition attached to the Sibelius violin competition (Ergo for violin and piano), first prize in the 17th Edvard Grieg competition in Oslo 2013 (Solveig’s Dreams for harp solo), first prize in the lied competition 2017 (Four Songs to Poems by William Blake). Agopov worked as lecturer in theoretical subjects at the Sibelius Academy in 1988–2021.

Nicky Sohn is a Korean-American composer who has quickly emerged as a distinctive voice in contemporary classical music. Her work is known for its rhythmic drive, jazz-influenced language, and colorful orchestration, often praised for its vitality and direct connection with audiences.

Her music has been commissioned and performed by leading ensembles including the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and the National Orchestra of Korea. She also works extensively in dance and interdisciplinary contexts, collaborating with institutions such as Stuttgart Ballet and the New York Choreographic Institute.

Collaboration lies at the heart of Sohn’s artistic practice. She is particularly drawn to interdisciplinary and socially engaged projects where music becomes a means of connection and storytelling. A notable example is her violin concerto created in partnership with Kinetic Ensemble and The Women’s Home in Houston.