AMPUJA Raine

Bio

Raine Ampuja (born in 1958 in Finland) studied horn, music theory and in 1980-1988 in Sibelius-Academy. He graduated in 1988 and was appointed to the conductor of Guard's Band. In 2006 Ampuja relocated in Hämeenlinna as a commissioner of Panssarisoittokunta and returned to Guard's Band in 2009 when he was appointed the commissioner of Guards Band. Raine Ampuja is well known as a composer and an arranger. Among other works he has composed music for Pope's visit in Finland and for the opening of Ski World Championships in 2001. Ampuja's most recognized piece Magic for a wind orchestra is based on Finnish national epic Kalevala. Ampuja has been working as a conductor and conducting instructor for more than two decades and he has also authored two textbooks on wind band music. Ampuja was elected military musician of the year in 1996.