Marjukka has conducted Philomela ever since it was established. In her personal, unique way she has led Philomela towards new, exciting adventures. Her work is marked with an overpowering passion for music.
More feeling! Still more! According to Marjukka the singer has to go in for music fully and completely. In her work, which she does with great warmth and ardour, she is uncompromising. Her enthusiasm is contagious and, one can say without exaggeration that it may affect hundreds of people round her, which in turn willreally lead to new adventures. Here are some examples: Marjukka works in co-operation with choreographer Päivi Järvinen and the choir may sing lying on their backs in a Norwegian gothic church or standing on a ladder at the height of three metres wearing high-heeled shoes and singing high tunes or they may be standing in unconventional arrangements interpreting the atmosphere with their looks and gestures. The choir is known for its experimental choreographies and their ability to transform their style to suit each individual occasion.
In addition to Philomela, Marjukka also conducts the chamber choir Grex Musicus, several Sibelius High School choirs and the female choir of Klemetti Institute, and works regularly in Sibelius High School as a music teacher. Her choirs have gained reputation in numerous domestic and foreign competitions. Marjukka is, for example, the only choir conductor who has won twice the Grand Prix of Tampere Vocal Music Festival, in 2001 with Philomela and in 2005 with Grex Musicus. She is a very popular lecturer in international choir festivals and has been a member of the jury in several choral and composition competitions.
In 2009 the President of the Republic of Finland, Tarja Halonen, confered a title of “Musiikkineuvos” (Councellor of Music) on Marjukka Riihimäki. In 2006 Marjukka Riihimäki was elected the Choir Conductor of the Year She has also been awarded the Klemetti prize and prize of Finnish Cultural Fund in 1994, and the Kekri reward of Kalevala Association in 2005