Finnish writer Saara Turunen’s work plays on new stages in Helsinki and Germany
Saara Turunen’s newest play opens in Helsinki, followed by the German version’s premiere in Hannover, with the Finnish author directing both versions herself.
Spotlight on Vörå, Finland: the local impact of KAJ’s Eurovision success
The Swedish-speaking Finnish trio KAJ represented Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest with a cheerful sauna song that was the hot favourite to win the final last May. In the end, they came in fourth – but they went from local heroes to viral international phenomenon, transforming their home village in the process.
Tracing the rise of Finland’s folk music from village roots to global acclaim
Folk music in Finland has evolved from postwar silence to a vibrant, internationally respected art form. As Womex (Worldwide Music Expo) 2025 approaches, Music Finland traces that journey.
Rising stars: These young fiddlers carry on Finland’s pelimanni folk music tradition
In the small town of Kaustinen, a hotspot for Finnish folk music, two young musicians are making waves. Erkki Virkkala and Iikka Huntus are part of a new generation keeping the pelimanni (folk music) tradition vibrant, blending skill, creativity and a love of playing together.
Make air, not war: The joyfully absurd World Championships in Oulu
Ever dreamed of witnessing something wildly fun and just a little bit bonkers? Picture people of all ages rocking out on stage with instruments only they can see. Dancing like nobody’s watching, fully immersed in the moment. This is air guitar at its most serious. And most glorious.
Quirky ’90s band Ultra Bra stages a stylish comeback at 30
Ultra Bra, one of the most beloved Finnish bands of the 1990s, has released new songs after more than two decades and reunited for shows at Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium and summer festivals.
Why Finland’s Moomin books still matter in today’s world
The Moomins and the Great Flood, by the Finnish writer and artist Tove Jansson, was published in 1945. The first Moomin book introduces the central characters and themes like love, respect and belonging, for which Jansson and the extended family of Moomins became internationally renowned.
