Kamu, Okko (Tapani)

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Kamu, Okko (Tapani) (b Helsinki, 1946). Finn. conductor, composer, and violinist. Début as violinist early 1950s, in str. qt. 1965, as cond. 1968–9. Violinist in Helsinki PO 1965–6, leader Finn. Nat. Opera Orch. 1966–9, 3rd cond. at Nat. Opera 1968–9. Won first Karajan cond. comp. 1969. Guest cond. Royal Swedish Opera 1969–70. Cond. Finn. Radio SO 1970–7. Chief cond. and mus. dir. Oslo PO 1975–9. Chief cond. Helsinki PO 1979–90. Prin. cond. Dutch Radio SO 1983–6, Sjaelland (Denmark) SO from 1988. Guest cond. of Brit. orchs. (London début 1970, New Philharmonia). Cond. f.ps. of Sallinen's The Red Line (1978) and The King Goes Forth to France (1984). NY Met 1983; CG 1987 (Brit. première of The King Goes Forth to France). Composer of film mus., songs for children, etc.