Auri-Helena Nikkinen (b.1997) is a Finnish composer and professional musician.

Nikkinen started composing at age 6 and has worked as a composer since 2015, writing music for a variety of orchestras and ensembles, including Helsinki Police Band, Joensuu Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra, Zagros Ensemble and Arctos Ensemble. Nikkinen has also written music for several high-profile Finnish soloists such as Helena Juntunen, Jukka Nykänen and Mikko Raasakka. Nikkinen’s music has been performed at many music festivals, including Oulu October of New Music Festival, Joensuu Winter of Music Festival, Klang Concert Series in Helsinki, and Night of Faith Festival in Tohmajärvi.

Currently Nikkinen is studying composition at Sibelius Academy, Helsinki, with Dr of music Matthew Whittall. Some of her previous composition teachers have included Lauri Kilpiö, Ville Raasakka, Inga Grigorieva and Jukka Koistinen. Nikkinen is a graduate of Joensuu Conservatoire, where she studied violin with Dr of music Tapani Yrjölä. Nikkinen has also studied piano since her childhood, with multiple teachers, latest of which are Maija Väisänen and Anna Kuvaja at the Sibelius Academy.

In November 2024, Nikkinen’s lied “Sadepisaroita” was awarded Laulumusiikin ystävät society’s special prize in the L.I.E.D. competition.

(photo by Nelli Korhonen)