Kajanus, Robert (1856–1933)

Robert Kajanus  (2 December 1856 Helsinki – 6 July 1933 Helsinki) was a Finnish composer, conductor and music organizer. He was one of the most central figures in Finnish music life for almost half a century.

Kajanus studied music theory and composition initially in Helsinki under Richard Faltin and then in Leipzig, Dresden and Paris in the years 1877-1882. In 1882, he founded the Helsinki Orchestra Association, whose orchestra he served as director until his death. The orchestra changed in 1914 to the Helsinki City Orchestra. In 1885, Kajanus founded an orchestra school, which was in operation until 1914, and in 1888 a symphony choir. In 1897, Kajanus was appointed to succeed Richard Faltin as music teacher at the University of Helsinki, and he held this post until 1926.

In 1900, Kajanus and his orchestra made a concert trip to Western Europe and performed at the Paris World Exhibition. He conducted Finnish music abroad several times later as well. Kajanus and his orchestra became famous especially as interpreters of the compositions of Jean Sibelius. He received the title of professor in 1908.