After Sibelius, Rautavaara is perhaps the best known and most frequently performed Finnish composer. After study at Helsinki University and the Sibelius Academy, he spent two years in the United States, studying with Vincent Persichetti, Roger Sessions, and Aaron Copland. His output includes eight symphonies, nine operas, and twelve concertos, as well as numerous vocal and chamber works.

A Children's Mass (Lapsimessu) was introduced by the Tapiola Choir, conducted by Erkki Pohjola, on December 20, 1973 in Espoo, near Helsinki. The city of Espoo awarded the work first prize in composition.

~ Program Notes by Charley Sampson, copyright 2022