What do you think about UKARIA as the venue for a festival like this?

For me, UKARIA really was love at first sight. I will never forget how, on my first morning there, I was woken up by magical sounds. At 5am, two Australian magpies obviously thought that I had slept quite enough and had come to my window to wake me up with their incredible music! The hall there is designed in a very special way, surrounded by absolutely breathtaking nature. Also, the circumstances for rehearsals are quite ideal. I have to say that I cannot think of a more inspiring place for a festival like this!

Olli Mustonen. Photo © Frank Schinski

 What were your main aims when programming UKARIA 24? 

Planning these programs has been a tremendously inspiring process. There were some obvious starting points: my own music, Beethoven, some other composers especially close to me, and what would be especially suitable for this hall. A crucial issue was the availability of some of my closest musical friends in Finland, Australia and elsewhere. But we were blessed with good luck, and everything progressed under very lucky...