Maija Ruuskanen (b. 1976, Savonlinna) is a Finnish composer, musician, conductor, and music-theatre professional. A graduate of the Sibelius Academy, she fuses classical composition, jazzflavours and theatrical soundscapes. Her notable works include the opera Herääminen (2017), the choral opera Äärimmäisyys (2021), and stage and radio compositions such as Lehman Trilogy, Puluboin ja Ponin teatteri, and Puputyttö. As a recording artist, she has released albums with the Ruuskanen Railio ensembles and regularly performs as a pianist. Active in Finland’s arts leadership, she serves on boards including Teosto and the Music Promotion Foundation, championing transparency and stronger rights for composers.