Special Issue

The Accordion in Finland

Published

December 31, 2024

Explore the dynamic world of the accordion in Finnish music culture, where this versatile instrument bridges the gap between folk traditions and modern expressions. This collection of articles from our Special Issue delves into the accordion's unique role in Finland’s musical landscape, showcasing its evolution and timeless charm across genres and generations.

by

Simon Broughton

,

Santeri Kaipiainen

,

Veli Kujala

,

Vesa Kurkela

,

Lasse Lehtonen

,

Minna Lindgren

,

Wif Stenger

,

One of Finland’s most adventurous accordionists celebrated his 60th birthday with a concert at the Helsinki Festival in August. In this article, Pohjonen reflects on his past and shares his current pursuits.

Kimmo Pohjonen: 60th Anniversary Concert and interview at the Helsinki Festival

Kimmo Pohjonen: 60th Anniversary Concert and interview at the Helsinki Festival

One of Finland’s most adventurous accordionists celebrated his 60th birthday with a concert at the Helsinki Festival in August. In this article, Pohjonen reflects on his past and shares his current pursuits.

Simon Broughton

September 6, 2024

Finnish accordion music spans a wide gamut from interpreters of Baroque music to nimble-fingered entertainers to earthy folk musicians. Underlying them all in one way or another is the history of the accordion as an instrument of the common people for dancing.

Band in a box: The deep connection between the accordion and the dance floor

Band in a box: The deep connection between the accordion and the dance floor

Finnish accordion music spans a wide gamut from interpreters of Baroque music to nimble-fingered entertainers to earthy folk musicians. Underlying them all in one way or another is the history of the accordion as an instrument of the common people for dancing.

Santeri Kaipiainen

December 31, 2024

The accordion is poised to redefine its place in the musical world – its golden era is only just beginning. In this column, composer and accordionist Veli Kujala discusses the resurgence and evolution of the classical accordion.

On my music and beyond: Towards the golden era of the classical accordion

On my music and beyond: Towards the golden era of the classical accordion

The accordion is poised to redefine its place in the musical world – its golden era is only just beginning. In this column, composer and accordionist Veli Kujala discusses the resurgence and evolution of the classical accordion.

Veli Kujala

December 13, 2024

What connects an Icelandic rapper, Ukrainian-Polish vocalists, Estonian Eurovision stars, and the forgotten soundscapes of Karelian villages? For the accordionist Anne-Mari Kivimäki, the answer lies in a deep love for collaboration and a constant dialogue between history and innovation.

Lost villages, found sounds: Anne-Mari Kivimäki’s accordion trance

Lost villages, found sounds: Anne-Mari Kivimäki’s accordion trance

What connects an Icelandic rapper, Ukrainian-Polish vocalists, Estonian Eurovision stars, and the forgotten soundscapes of Karelian villages? For the accordionist Anne-Mari Kivimäki, the answer lies in a deep love for collaboration and a constant dialogue between history and innovation.

Wif Stenger

December 20, 2024

Two-row accordions, concert accordions, quarter tones and live electronics – Finnish accordion artists of our time explore a broad spectrum in their respective genres. Our playlist journeys from traditional music to pop influences, from classical to experimental, and back again.

Playlist: Finnish Accordion in the 21st Century

Playlist: Finnish Accordion in the 21st Century

Two-row accordions, concert accordions, quarter tones and live electronics – Finnish accordion artists of our time explore a broad spectrum in their respective genres. Our playlist journeys from traditional music to pop influences, from classical to experimental, and back again.

Santeri Kaipiainen

December 31, 2024

The accordion’s image in Finland has constantly been renegotiated by performers, composers, instrument makers and audiences who have recognised its potential in a variety of settings. Each of its many roles contributes to a vibrant mosaic. But how has this mosaic been compiled, and what does it look like in Finland today?

The accordion in Finland: A 21st-century perspective?

The accordion in Finland: A 21st-century perspective?

The accordion’s image in Finland has constantly been renegotiated by performers, composers, instrument makers and audiences who have recognised its potential in a variety of settings. Each of its many roles contributes to a vibrant mosaic. But how has this mosaic been compiled, and what does it look like in Finland today?

Lasse Lehtonen

December 31, 2024

Translation

Featured photo

Amasuela - Luis Lafuente Agudín (Wikimedia Commons)