Mikki Kunttu delivers keynote address at Prolight + Sound 2020 conference
Reborn in the Spotlight: The Return of Mikki Kunttu to Prolight + Sound
Prepare for a dazzling spectacle as the acclaimed multi-disciplinary artist, Mikki Kunttu, graces the stage at the Prolight + Sound 2020 opening. Kunttu, an award-winning luminary in lighting, video, set, and content design, will share insights into his illustrious career spanning three decades.
Born in Finland, Kunttu has been a trailblazer in live entertainment, theatre, television, and visual arts since the late 90s. Active in various creative sectors, he's recently become one of Europe's most sought-after lighting designers, partnering with Tero Saarinen Company on all productions to create unparalleled lighting designs and visualizations.
Kunttu began his journey as a designer at the tender age of 18, working across dance, theatre, music, opera, television, and industrial art. Early careers highlights include lighting designs for Kotka City Theatre and studying lighting and sound design at the Tampere University of Applied Sciences, graduating in 1995. Following graduation, Kunttu honed his skills at the Tampere Concert Hall.
A Star in the Creative Realm
Join us at the "Theatre + Light Stage" in Hall 12.0, where Kunttu's keynote presentation will unfold. Post-presentation, he will engage with the audience, offering invaluable insights and answering their burning questions.
For Messe Frankfurt, Kunttu's appearance marks one of Prolight + Sound 2020's anticipated highlights. Mira Wölfel, director of Prolight + Sound, expressed excitement at Kunttu's collaboration:
"We are thrilled to have a key figure in the creative application of professional event technology as our keynote speaker. Kunttu's innovative ideas and willingness to explore unconventional paths have significantly impacted the entire industry over the years."
Kunttu also expressed his enthusiasm for participating in the 25th Prolight + Sound's opening, acknowledging the fair's status as both a platform for innovations and a gathering place for professionals in the event industry.
A Jack of All Trades in the Artistic World
Kunttu's impressive portfolio boasts numerous productions and projects in dance, music, opera, television, and design. Highlights include the lighting design for the grand opening of the new Oslo Opera House (2008), Sleeping Beauty (Boston Ballet 2009), Swan Lake (Finnish National Ballet 2010), and Scalada: Stelar (Cirque du Soleil, 2017).
Awards and honors bestowed upon Kunttu include a five-year scholarship from the Arts Council of Finland (2005), the Bessie Prize for lighting design, the Säde Prize from the Finnish Lighting Designers' Association, the Koura Prize for the visualization of the Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki, and the Venla merit diploma from MTV3 in 2010.
In a preliminary interview, Kunttu provided a sneak peek into his keynote speech and shared insights into an unexpected passion. Catch Mikki Kunttu live at the "Theatre + Light Stage" in Hall 12.0 on March 31, 4:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A session with the maestro.
Pictures: Tero Saarinen Company, Sakari Viika/FNO Finnish National Opera and Ballet w/ Tero Saarinen Company
Behind the Scenes:
Mikki Kunttu's extensive background reveals his prowess in lighting, set, and video design, as well as photography. His artistic talents have shone brightly in various creative projects, demonstrating a unique ability to imbue technology with artistic expression, creating immersive experiences.
[1] Tero Saarinen Company. (n.d.). Mikki Kunttu. Retrieved from https://terosaarinencompany.fi/en/miikki-kunttu/
[2] Mikki Kunttu. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.luminousalive.com/people/mikki-kunttu
[3] Reed, E. (2019, October 2). Visiting a Creative Space with Tero Saarinen Company. Retrieved from https://dancemagazine.com/visiting-a-creative-space-with-tero-saarinen-company-2648834001/
[4] Mikki Kunttu. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://vimeo.com/mikki
[5] Mikki Kunttu. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://issuu.com/artikko/docs/mikki_universe_booklet
[1] Experience Mikki Kunttu's insightful combination of lifestyle and technology as he discusses his approach to event technology, offering valuable nuggets for professionals in the industry.
[2] The dazzling spectacle at Prolight + Sound 2020 can be traced back to Kunttu's Mastery in technology-infused lifestyle design, which has made him a prominent figure in modern live entertainment.
