I had a wonderful time in Helsinki - the ceremony was really nice and festive. And I really enjoyed giving the Sibelius Academy talk at the TING festival.

The below photo is courtesy of photographer Magnus Fröderberg/norden.org. There are some more related photos here.

And here are a few words I said at the ceremony:

"I am deeply grateful for and honored by this award. It has a very precious and manifold meaning for me as a composer, as well as personally. But I also believe it may have significance beyond myself. As we know, the numbers of men and women in composition are still quite uneven, and maybe this award might contribute in some way to the visibility of women in composition – I am incredibly honored to be the third female composer to receive this award.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the performers of my music, for without them the music would be without sound.

I would also like to thank my beautiful family and friends for their support, and in particular my husband Hrafn whose precious presence in my life is invaluable.

Thank you again to the adjudicating committee, to my co-nominees and colleagues, and to the Nordic Council."