Works composed specifically for the Maj Lind Piano Competition began to be heard in the 1980s. These included both piano concertos and little five-minute pieces. A big step forwards was taken in the finals when the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra took the stage instead of the student orchestras.
The Maj Lind Piano Competition was held for the 22nd time in 1982 (on November 13–19). The winner was Ilkka Paananen. The second prize was shared by Teppo Koivisto and Olli Mustonen. The money prizes were worth 14,000 and 6,500 marks (nowadays equivalent to about €5,500 and €2,500). Jari Salmela came third and Katariina Liimatainen fourth. A total of 26 pianists took part in the competition.
Please read the blog Maj Lind! on the website of the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki.
