New album, RAUTAVUO, out May 8th!

A current runs through the cycle of the year. Powerful, molten, searing. It flows from the biting cold of seemingly neverending winter (Takatalvi) deliberately toward the land of iron (Rautamaa). A bridge forms between mindful soundscapes and the earthy, gritty traditions of the polska. All as the song of the Cuckoo bird (Käkilintu) calls along the way.

At the heart of the ensemble is a string quartet, infused with winds, drums, piano, guitar, and voice. Iron (rauta) is permanent, while flow (vuo) is ever in motion. In this music, tradition is not a dusty memory, but a living entity - moving, shaping, and transforming. It offers a moment to pause, to breathe, and to enter a world of profound musical emotion.

Fresh and flashy Finnish folk music!

Polenta, an award-winning and wholehearted ensemble of three fiddles and one guitar, will knock your socks off with its thrilling and soulful renditions of both original and traditional Nordic tunes. Polenta has gained popularity as an energetic dance band and their second album will be released in January 2024. The light-footed live performances of Polenta give out instantaneous energy, radiating the joy of music and togetherness!

ALDA’s contemporary instrumental music is full of energetic grooves, majestic harmonies, improvisation and satisfying melodies. Based on traditional Nordic types of tunes such as polskas, schottisches and waltzes, they have created a mind-blowing piece of art for five-string violin, soprano saxophone and piano that transcends borders and genres. Hearing them perform will make you smile and dance, bring tears to your eyes and might even make you go a bit crazy. Immerse yourself in the furiously groovy world of ALDA!

Polskatroikka is a group of two musicians and two dancers. Their piece Liekeissä is a celebration of acrobatic and delicate folk dance, as well as musical virtuosity. It serves as an eye-opener to a gender-neutral dance between two men. While the underlying idea behind the piece is to challenge and partially break the strong gender stereotypes associated with partner dancing, the primary aim is not to convey a specific political message to the audience. Instead, the choreography spotlights the beauty, responsiveness, and sensitivity inherent in the dance between these two men.

Music from the present moment!

Young professionals of Finnish folk music play violin and different kanteles introducing their view of Nordic folk music. Their music varietes from improvisational soundscapes to captivating rhythms, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of musical genres. Since their music is in a constant state of flux and their arrangements shift in the blink of an eye, two similar performances you won't hear from them!

Christmas Calendar by Neiet!

Neiet is a trio of two fiddles and a double bass. Jonna, Veera and Saija met in Helsinki Music Centre, during their folk music studies. As their master's ensemble project they made a Christmas calendar, not only out of traditional Christmas tunes, but from traditional Finnish folk music and small clips and anecdotes of old stories and facts. The joy this calendar brings is not restricted only to December, but can be enjoyed during any month of the year!