Alfons Almi
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20 August 1904
Professori[1] Alfons Almi | |
|---|---|
 Almi c. 1950 | |
| Born | Alfons Aleksander Alm 20 August 1904 |
| Died | 22 February 1991 (aged 86) Helsinki, Finland |
| Occupation | Opera singer |
| Known for | Director-General of Finnish National Opera |
| Spouses | |
Alfons Almi (né Alm, until 1935;[2] 20 August 1904 — 22 February 1991)[1] was a Finnish opera singer and administrator. He has been described as the 'father of Finnish opera'.[3]
Almi sang the principal tenor at the Opera of Finland (later to become the Finnish National Opera) from 1934 to 1952.[4][5]
He later moved into management, first as the Finance Manager from 1952, then progressing to general management, and eventually reaching the post of Director General from 1966 to 1971.[4] He also sat on the company's supervisory council and board of directors from 1940 to 1971.[4][5]
One of his main achievements was the establishment of the National Opera's own in-house orchestra.[5] He also worked tirelessly towards the development of the National Opera's new, purpose-built premises.[5][6][2]
The second stage of the new opera house is named after him.[7]
Outside of the National Opera, Almi served in administrative and leadership positions at numerous cultural and public organisations.[4]
Awards and honours
In 1966, the honorary title of Professori was conferred on Laine by President Urho Kekkonen.[4][2]
In 1983, Almi was awarded the annual Eskon Puumerkki prize by the Aleksis Kiven Seura.[6]
