Marja Ikonen

Music educator Marja Ikonen is currently the principal of the Mikkeli Music Institute. Before that, she worked in Rantasalmi as a conductor and music designer teacher at Järvi-Saimaa Community College, conducting the Rantasalmi wind orchestra, Rantasalmi Youth Theatre's musicals, as well as the orchestra's parades. Marja is passionate about the communal power of music, both for the musicians whereas the shared experience between the performers and the audience.

Marja Ikonen teaches the basics of orchestral conducting to conductor students, and she has also composed much pedagogical wind band music and other compositions and arrangements for amateur musicians. Marja Ikonen served as chair of the South Savo Arts Council in 2019-2022 and has held other regional and national positions of trust in the field of music and culture.

Marja has been recognised for her work with the following awards: in 2018, the Order of the White Rose of Finland First Class Medal with Gold Cross; in 2022, the Finnish Wind Orchestra Association's Gold Medal awarded by the President of the Republic of Finland; in 2014, the Finnish Workers' Music Association's Leadership Medal; in 2012, the Manta of the Year, awarded by the municipality of Rantasalmi and Rantasalmi Tourism; and in 2009, the Finnish Wind Orchestra Association's Pinna of the Year.