Mika Väyrynen

"One can almost listen to Kaipainen's three solo accordion works as a sonata, perhaps a super-sonata in view of the sheer intensity of the music."

The accordion can do lots of things, but few perceive it as an instrument for performing classical music. Yet the classical accordion class at the Sibelius Academy celebrated its 40th anniversary in March 2018. Accordionist Mika Väyrynen reflected on the popularity of the programme.

Instead of struggling to defend the accordion, Mika Väyrynen is now raising its status by commissioning compositions.