Acclaimed Finnish classical composer Einojuhani Rautavaara has died aged 87, his record label said on Thursday. "It is with profound sadness we write to inform you of the death of a major composer of our time, Professor Einojuhani Rautavaara," Ondine Records said in a statement, adding the composer died in Helsinki on Wednesday night.
He passed away following complications from hip surgery after a fall. Rautavaara first gained international recognition in 1994 with his 7th Symphony Angel of Light, leading enthusiastic critics to compare him with another famous Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius (1865-1957). His works include eight symphonies, and several concertos, vocal works and operas that have been performed in numerous countries.