Melodic haven of heavy metal and opera magic
Ilkka Kosunen was born in Kuopio, Finland, and spent his first two decades there. Seeking higher education, he moved to Helsinki for another 20 years before spending two years in Estonia. In 2019, an exciting opportunity led him to imec in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and later to imec - OnePlanet in Wageningen.
Global collaborations in the intersection of art and science
While in Estonia, Ilkka had an enriching experience conducting research and giving lectures at multiple institutions, including the Department of Computer Science, the Baltic Film and Media Arts School, and even the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. This exceptional opportunity paved the way for groundbreaking Art-Science ideas and explorations like never before.
Music profoundly influenced Ilkka’s upbringing, with his father’s adoration for Richard Wagner’s operas and his mother’s profession as a violinist and piano teacher. Naturally, he inherited their love for music. At just fifteen, he began teaching guitar to a group of students. Over time, Ilkka’s love for opera and science intertwined, resulting in his diverse creative pursuits. In Sweden, he produced a unique ‘biocybernetic dance opera,’ a mesmerizing blend of music, technology, and dance. In Japan, he delivered engaging lectures on the concept of ‘human-machine symbiosis,’ exploring the harmonious relationship between humans and technology. Additionally, he conducted immersive weeklong workshops on ‘enactive cinema’ in Milan and Russia, offering participants an enriching experience in this innovative and interactive cinematic approach.
Discovering the unique flavors of Finland
Finnish culinary heritage is distinguished by its emphasis on fresh, natural ingredients, featuring berries, mushrooms, fish, and meat. Ilkka believes that while some dishes may require an acquired taste, they offer a unique culinary experience.
Among the Finnish classics is Salmiakki, a popular black licorice candy adored in Finland and surprisingly well-liked in the Netherlands. Tyrkisk Peber is another noteworthy item, a hot and strong licorice candy infused with black pepper and chili. Hailing from the Kuopio region in central Finland, the specialty known as Kalakukko features a whole baked break pie filled with small fish. For the adventurous eater, Veriohukainen offers a distinctive experience with savory pancakes made from animal blood, typically served alongside lingonberry jam. Blood sausages and reindeer or elk meats are also traditional delights in Finnish cuisine.
A symphony and natural marvels
Finland opens up a world of musical and cultural delights. Known as the heavy metal capital of the world, Finland has birthed iconic bands like Nightwish, Children of Bodom, Apocalyptica, and HIM. Embracing this metal culture, Helsinki thrives as a vibrant hub. Moreover, cities like Tampere and Turku boast lively record stores, while Kouvola proudly hosts the Finnish Heavy Metal Museum, an essential destination for all metal enthusiasts.
Must do
Enjoy a relaxing sauna session in Turku, a quintessential Finnish experience, followed by a dip in the Baltic Sea.
Every year, there is an extraordinary opera festival at Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna, which is famous worldwide for classical music. Watching a Wagner opera in this beautiful medieval castle is an exceptional and unforgettable experience.
Besides its rich musical history, Finland offers a variety of amazing natural sights for tourists to enjoy. Many people come to Lapland during winter to see the breathtaking Aurora Borealis, a famous display of the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, and it attracts tourists from all around the world who want to experience the magical Christmas feeling at the Santa Claus village. Moreover, Finland’s ‘everyman’s rights’ allow visitors to freely explore the countryside, go hiking, camping, and gather berries and mushrooms while respecting nature and private property.
