The extraordinary importance of music in extraordinary times

by Anu Ahola, Riikka Hiltunen, Amanda Kauranne, Andrew Mellor, Maria Puusaari, Suvi Saarikallio, Petri Silas, Auli Särkiö-Pitkänen

In this Special Feature, we consider the roles that music may play in exceptional circumstances. We asked musicians and music makers to tell us about music that is important to them and what music has meant to them in difficult times. We also explore the importance of music at transition points in life from the perspective of music psychology and examine what statistics on music listening look like in these troubled times.

Featured photo: Verneri Pohjola Quartet's home delivery concert by Flame Jazz, Turku

Photo: Christina Piirainen