Michel Runtz

Composer

The French-Swiss pianist and composer Michel Runtz began his classical piano studies in Paris, but became interested in composing at an early age. Encouraged by his teachers, he began to search for his own musical language. Runtz is known as a versatile and experimental composer. He has sought aesthetic influences from, for example, the visual arts, and has explored the integration of light elements into his compositions. Among visual artists, he was particularly impressed by the surrealist painter Paul Devaux, with whom he became friends and to whom he has dedicated his works.

Michel Runtz's compositions are popular in the repertoire of international piano competitions. Runtz has founded the renowned Fribourg International Piano Competition for Young Pianists and the Shanghai Sino-Swiss Piano Competition. Both of these competitions focus on new piano music. Runtz teaches and lectures diligently and has worked as a teacher in his hometown of Fribourg, as well as at the conservatories of Shanghai, Geneva, Strasbourg and Ruiel-Malmaison.

Laura Hynninen

Harp

Harpist, composer and visual artist Laura Hynninen has performed as a soloist and chamber musician since the 90’s. She studied the harp in Sibelius Academy with Riitta Paavola and Willy Postma. Laura Hynninen had permanent positions as a principal harpist in Finnish National Opera (2000-2013) and Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra (2013-2015) before switching over as a free lancer. Laura Hynninen is also the artistic director of Sysmän Suvisoitto music festival, and is known for her versatile work over different genres.

In her solo projects Laura Hynninen combines her own music and visual art in a unique way. She has been awarded several times, f.e. Yle’s Record of the Year 2021, Emma music award nomination 2022 and 2024, L.I.E.D. composing competition special prize 2024, Pro Musica award 2024, and Indie Awards prize 2025.

Photo: Ville Hautakangas

Iina Helander

Visual Artist

In addition to being an active Visual Artist Iina Helander is a prominent figure in the cultural life of Iitti. Her paintings, aquarelles and art candles have been seen in more than 60 exhibitions in Finland and abroad. Helander’s art is often dreamlike, as the light and intense colours are essential. 

Helander studied art in Savonlinna Art College, Free Art School and the University of Art and Design in Helsinki. When young she aimed to be a musician, but the violin bow was soon replaced by a paintbrush. Helander has worked as a Gallerist and had an arts and crafts company for 25 years. Presently she teaches arts and crafts as well as actively acts in amateur theatres. In 2014 she was given the Iitti Cultural Prize.

Photo: Veera Konsti

Pepe Willberg

Soloist

Pepe Willberg's musical career has been amazing. His success began in the 1960s with the band Islander and has continued uninterrupted for over 60 years as a guitarist, singer and songwriter. Willberg's songs from the 60s and 70s, such as Elämältä kaiken sain, Saat miehen kyyneliin, Taivas itkee sadoiin pisaroin, have become icons of Finnish pop music.

During his career, Willberg has composed music for himself as well as other artists and has been successful in various composition competitions. In recent years, he himself says that he has been "working below the surface", but the huge success of the album Pepe & Saimaa brought him back into the Finnish consciousness.

Willberg has received several awards in his career, the most recent being: Iskelmä Finlandia 2011, Kultalevy 2014, and three awards at the Emma Gala in 2015: Male Soloist of the Year, Rock Album of the Year and Critics' Choice. British music magazine MOJO chose Pepe & Saimaa as the album of the year 2014.

In 2016 Willberg celebrated his 50th anniversary as an artist and his 70th birthday.

Photo: Atte Malaska