Leviska, Helvi Lemmiki (1902–1982)

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Leviska, Helvi Lemmiki (1902–1982)

Finnish pianist, critic, and teacher, as well as her nation's most important woman composer. Born on May 25, 1902, in Helsinki, Finland; died on August 12, 1982, in Helsinki; graduated from the Sibelius Academy, 1927.

Helvi Lemmiki Leviska wrote almost 20 pieces for symphony orchestra, including four symphonies. She studied at the Sibelius Academy with Erkki Melartin, graduating in 1927. She then went to Vienna from 1928 to 1936 where she studied with L. Madetoja, L. Funtek, and A. Willner. In 1933, Leviska became librarian at the Sibelius Academy. From 1957 to 1961, she was music critic of Ilta-Sanomat, an evening newspaper. Throughout her varied career, Helvi Leviska continued to compose, and her works were widely performed in Finland.

John Haag , Athens, Georgia

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