Heinz-Juhani Hofmann

"Jutta Seppinen, versatile and vulnerable in the roles of both the victim and the abuser, manages to brilliantly express the emotional contradictions embedded in the situation."

The relationship of art to society has always been complex. What is the role of music in a world of increasing crises and polarisation? How can art participate in social debate, and does it have a responsibility to do so? We asked three contemporary composers for their views.

"Whether this is an opera, a form of music theatre, a happening or an extravaganza does not matter."

Viitasaari was once again the crossroads for different generations of composers: from the “dinosaurs” Brian Ferneyhough and Harrison Birtwistle to recent breakthroughs such as Mark André and Pierluigi Billone, to name just a few, along with the Finnish Lauri Supponen and Heinz-Juhani Hofmann.

Heinz-Juhani Hofmann has attracted attention with vocal works addressing troublesome subjects. His no-holds-barred naturalism relishes contrasts and extremities.