Mikki Kunttu
Lighting and Set Designer
Mikki Kunttu has created designs for over 100 contemporary dance productions all over the world. Alongside Saarinen, Kunttu works with many prominent artists from Finland and abroad, such as choreographers Jorma Elo, Jorma Uotinen, Carolyn Carlson, Jiří Kylián, Akram Khan, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. He also collaborates with the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, Norwegian National Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet and the Boston Ballet. In addition to dance, he works in music, opera, television and design.
His latest projects include Rheingold (Finnish National Opera 2019); Alegria: In new light, Vitori, 11:11 (Cirque du Soleil 2019); Swan Lake (Royal Danish Ballet 2015); The Nutcracker (Boston Ballet 2014) and the Eurovision Song Contest (2016, 2013 and 2007).
In 2006, he received the prestigious Bessie Award in New York for lighting design for Tero Saarinen and Akram Khan. In 2007, Kunttu received the Säde Award from the Finnish Association of Lighting Designers, and also the Koura Award for the visualization of the Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki. In 2010, MTV3 awarded him a Venla Diploma of Merit. In fall 2022 Kunttu’s 50th birthday was celebrated at Tampere Hall with a festival dedicated to his diverse career in the performing arts, television, concerts and live events.
