Tuomas Holopainen has been chosen as the recipient of the 2009 Soundi Award. The leader, songwriter, and keyboardist of NIGHTWISH is an inspiring example of a musician possessing clear vision, proper musical education, and stamina.

After founding NIGHTWISH in his native town of Kitee in 1996, Holopainen has kept his eyes on the horizon while steering the team through both calm and stormy waters. So far the legacy extends to six studio albums and hundreds of shows all over the world.

The Soundi Award is a statue designed by journalist-comic book artist-tattoo artist-Soundi mainstay Juho Juntunen.В 

Tuomas Holopainen is the fifth-ever recipient of the award and he was chosen by a jury of Soundi writers.

Published monthly, Soundi is the leading rock publication in Finland.