”The Pirate Bay” Awarded First Prize at the International Composition Competition « MIXTES »

Scored for baritone saxophone and electronics, The Pirate Bay explores themes of digital nostalgia, internet piracy, and the relationship between humans and machines.

The competition featured three categories: large ensemble works, works for one to five performers, and pedagogical compositions. It was open to composers under the age of 40 from around the world. The winning works in Categories 1 and 2, including Kettunen’s The Pirate Bay, will be performed in Nice in November 2026.

The competition is organized by the Conservatoire de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur, Ensemble Découvertes Opéra de Nice, Studio Instrumental, and Ensemble Mêtis.

The Pirate Bay was commissioned in 2024 by saxophonist Anna-Sofia Anttonen, who gave the work’s world premiere at the Uuden Musiikin Lokakuu Festival later that year. The performance was broadcast on YLE Radio 1 and made available on the YLE Areena streaming platform.

In spring 2025, the work and its recording were selected by the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE) as Finland’s submission to the 71st International Rostrum of Composers, held in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The composition of The Pirate Bay was supported by a working grant from the Finnish Cultural Foundation.