Finnish composer Tauno Marttinen (1912-2008) studied music at Viipuri (Vyborg) during the 1920s and in Helsinki during the 1930s. He had his sights set on a career as a concert pianist, but the emphasis swung gradually over in favour of composition. In recognition of his work in his home town Hämeenlinna (director of the Hämeenlinna Music Institute 1950-1975) he was granted an honorary professorship from the Finnish state in 1972.