Mikko Nissinen, Award

Mikko Nissinen, Boston Ballet's artistic director, will receive the 2008 Finlandia Foundation Arts & Letters Award at the organization's annual dinner in New York City on March 1.

This is no small feat. Previous winners include late Senator J. William Fulbright, conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen, soprano Karita Mattila, and composer Charles Wuorinen.

A bit from the release:

Since 1958, the Finlandia Foundation New York Chapter has given an annual award to an individual or organization having made major contributions to Finnish culture in the United States. These awards are presented at the Awards Dinner Dance, proceeds from which go to the New York Chapter Scholarship and Cultural Funds. To date, over $250,000 in scholarships have been granted.

“I am very humbled by this recognition from the Finlandia Foundation,” said Nissinen. “My first accomplishments in ballet took place in Finland, and this award means a great deal to me. It is my hope that Finland continues to cultivate the artistic talents of the country and that Finnish citizens continue to make valuable contributions to the arts on an international scale. ”