The Uuno Klami Society was founded in Helsinki in 1987 “to encourage the publication, study and performance of the music of Uuno Klami and otherwise promote familiarity with and recognition of his life’s work in general (Rules of the Uuno Klami Society).
The idea of founding the Uuno Klami Society came from Tiina-Maija Lehtonen, a journalist and compiler of the catalogue of Klami’s works published in 1986. Admirers of his music were invited by announcements, letters and word of mouth to a free event to be held at the Lallukka artists’ home at 2 pm on Sunday April 26, 1987. On the programme were some previously unknown works by Uuno Klami – compositions for violin and piano and incidental music for the plays Hohtavat siivet (Shining Wings) and Kyläkohina (Village Noise). Those attending the meeting would be allowed to join the Society. The music was performed by Riikka Luostarinen (violin), Tomi Mäkelä (piano), Ismo Laakkonen (clarinet) and Erkki Salmenhaara (cello). Also among those present were Kalevi Aho, Timo Arjas, Paavo Hohti, Marja Niiniluoto, Seija Lappalainen, Ulf Söderblom, Veikko Talvi, Leena Tyrväinen, Helena Tyrväinen and Matti Vainio. A temporary committee was elected, with Professor Matti Vainio as Chairman and Tiina-Maija Lehtonen as Secretary.
The following year, on May 16, 1988, the Uuno Klami Society held its first Annual General Meeting, at the Laulu-Miehet Restaurant. Helena Tyrväinen was elected as Chairman, a post she would hold for 22 years, until the AGM in 2010. Following her as Chairman was Samuli Sipilä, and the Chairman since 2016 has been Esa Ylönen. The following have served as members of the committee: Erkki Salmenhaara, Kalevi Aho, Seija Lappalainen, Tomi Mäkelä, Veikko Talvi, Sirpa Huuskonen, Martti Turtola, Matti-Jussi Pollari, Outi Jyrhämä, Ritva Javanainen, Riikka Luostarinen, Olli-Pekka Tuomisalo, Samuli Sipilä, Uljas Pulkkis, Reetaliina Marin, Matti Klami, Maarit Niiniluoto and Esa Ylönen, and as deputy members after the amendment to the Rules in 2007, deputy members Sanna Takala, Hanna Isolammi and Marjo Luomi. The first Secretary was Risto Korhonen. The following have since served as Secretary: Eija Kurki, Erkki Salmenhaara, Katri Vesimäki, Tarja Taurula, Juhana Hautsalo, Sanna Takala (née Virtanen), Helen Metsä (née Degerman), Jarkko Hartikainen, Marjukka Malkavaara, Paula Ranto and Vilma Keisala. The Society is deeply indebted to composer, Professor and founder member Erkki Salmenhaara for his extremely great work on its behalf, both as a committee member and as Secretary 1990–1997.
