Kurki-Suonio teaches at the folk music department at the Sibelius Academy in Finland and is best known abroad for her work with Swedish-Finnish group Hedningarna (the Heathens). She has worked with many choirs, including the Finnish Octopus Choir. Her music spans the folk-rooted work of Hedningarna to jazz, children's music, tango and art rock. She took a break from Hedningarna during the period in which they recorded Hippjokk in order to concentrate on her studies and spend more time with her children and family. However, she returned for the recording of Karelia Visa. ~ Megan Lynch