A Dream Takes Flight
In July 2010, I embarked on an unforgettable musical journey that would change the course of my artistic path. Being selected to participate in an exchange program that brought together musicians from around the world, was a greatest fortune itself. Yet, I had no clue what else this experience would bring along.
My early music studies at the Conservatory of Jyväskylä had left me bitten by the free improvisation bug. Inspired by dedicated jazz musicians who pushed the boundaries of traditional composition, I had began experimenting with how my voice could function not just as a singer’s tool, but as an instrument—capable of creating atmospheres rather than simply performing songs. Later on, while studying music at the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, I became increasingly intrigued by the relationship between sound and other art forms like visual art, film, and contemporary dance.
Little did I know that my involvement in an exchange program would not only become a crucial step in advancing my exploration, but also a beginning of something new. For two weeks, I immersed myself in a collaborative effort at the Castelfranco Veneto’s Conservatoire “Agostino Steffani”, Italy. We re-imagined and modernized the opera L’Orfeo, integrating electronic music and symphony orchestra. Each day, we worked towards creating something new—a fusion of classic and contemporary, electronic and acoustic, improvisation and composition.

Storm as Sound: A True Collaboration of the Globe
The culmination of our collaboration was a live performance. I remember the anticipation surrounding the looming storm, casting doubt over whether the performance would go ahead. In the end, the audience had to wait an hour before the concert could begin. My Finnish instincts told me that the delay would surely frustrate the crowd, and many would leave. But to my surprise, they waited—calmly and patiently. This was my first real-life lesson in understanding the Italian relationship with time, as well as their deep respect for culture and the arts. I just loved it.
The performance began, and the storm didn’t just remain in the distance; it became part of the show. Thunder roared during the most dramatic scenes, as though nature itself had become our sound designer. It was a magical, aesthetic experience, with the storm enhancing the atmosphere rather than distracting from it. When the final note was played, we had only a brief moment to save our instruments from the downpour that followed.
The Birth of Sound Illustrators
What I didn’t realize at the time was that this experience in Italy would spark a long-lasting relationship with both the country and its musicians and artists. During the exchange program, I met Isaac, a kindred spirit with whom I connected instantly. We began having long conversations about art, music, and more, and soon decided to continue collaborating beyond the project.
Just three months after the exchange, we formed a collective, later named Sound Illustrators, bringing together musicians from both Italy and Finland. Our goal was to invite artists from various genres to collaborate and create together, merging different artistic expressions.
This collective marked the beginning of my dream taking shape—blending sound, improvisation, and diverse art forms to create performances that crossed boundaries and defied categories.
Looking back, that first music performance in Italy was much more than just a concert. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in my artistic journey—a chapter where collaboration and cross-disciplinary performances became my priority. My relationship with Italy continues to grow, and the seeds planted during that exchange have blossomed into a path I never imagined would fully materialize.
Italy has truly become a second home for my creativity, and I’m grateful for every step that has brought me here.
With love,
Katri