Programme

Discover what’s in store at the 2026 ESTA Conference. This page brings together everything you need to know about the conference programme - from keynote sessions and expert panels to workshops and networking opportunities.

This is just part of it all…

View the full program for conference participants on the Oxford Abstracts system (no sign-in required) by clicking the button below.  

Please note that the program is subject to changes.

Full Program

Wednesday 26 August 2026

Kick off the 54th ESTA Conference with the opening “Welcome to Fiesta!” featuring Päivyt Meller and Géza Szilvay.

Continue with keynote lectures from Gary McPherson, Guadalupe Lopéz and Mimi Zweig on evolving string pedagogy. In the evening, experience the Sibelius Academy Symphony Orchestra at the Helsinki Musiikkitalo, followed by a lively jam session at Café Feeniks.

  • A visit to Ainola with a local colleague guiding you there by public transportation. A second visit is organized on Friday 28 August 2026 (fully booked).

    Date: Wednesday, 26 August

    Meeting time and place:
    Meet your guide, Raili, at 8.50 am at the main entrance of the Musiikkitalo (Music Hall, Mannerheimintie 13a).

    Travel information:
    You will walk together to the railway station and take the 9.10 am regional R train to Ainola. Train tickets can be purchased from the ticket machines at the station. The train journey takes approximately 30 minutes, followed by a 20-minute walk from Ainola station to Ainola.

    Return journey:
    Trains back to central Helsinki depart approximately every 30 minutes.

    Ainola admission ticket:
    Please purchase your ticket in advance via the Ainola website. The guided tour at Ainola is included in the ticket price.

    If you would like to join the group led by Raili, please first purchase your Ainola ticket and then confirm your participation by emailing railipoijarvi63@hotmail.com.

    Please note that you are also welcome to visit Ainola independently. More information can be found on the Ainola website.

  • Location: Sibelius-Academy R-Building

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

  • Location: Sibelius-Academy R-Building Concert Hall

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

    Päivyt Meller, Géza Szilvay

    Folke Gräsbäck & young cellists

    Principal Sponsor of The FiESTA! : D’Addario

  • Speakers: Gary McPherson, Guadalupe Lopez

    Location: Sibelius-Academy R-Building Concert Hall

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

    Gary E. McPherson studied music education at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, before completing a Master of Music Education at Indiana University, a Doctorate of Philosophy at the University of Sydney and a Licentiate and Fellowship in trumpet performance through Trinity College, London. In 2021, he was the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate - Artium Doctorem Honoris Causa - from Lund University Sweden. Gary is the Ormond Professor of Music at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music who has served as President of the International Society for Music Education. His research interests are broad and interdisciplinary. His most important research examines the acquisition and development of musical competence, and motivation to engage and participate in music from novice to expert levels. With a particular interest in the acquisition of visual, aural and creative performance skills, he studies how students become sufficiently motivated and self-regulated to achieve at the highest level. 


    Guadalupe López-Íñiguez studied a Licentiate in Cello Performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Madrid and a Master of Early Music Performance at the Sibelius Academy, before completing a Doctorate in Educational Psychology at the Madrid Autonomous University. In 2018, she was awarded the honorary title of Docent at the Sibelius Academy, and in 2022 she received an Honorary Senior Fellowship at the University of Melbourne. She currently serves as University Researcher in Instrumental Pedagogy and Performance Science at the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki. As a Research Council of Finland Fellow, she leads the international project “The Politics of Care in the Professional Education of Children Gifted for Music”. Her interdisciplinary research explores constructivist pedagogy, motivation, identity, musicians’ well-being, and the psychology of music performance. An accomplished performer, she has released critically acclaimed recordings on Alba Records of the complete cello works of Gabrielli, Scarlatti, and Mendelssohn.

  • Speakers:  Kaisa J. Vähi (moderator), Mimi Zweig,   Yvonne Frye, Géza Szilvay, Cecilia Zilliacus, Erkki Lahesmaa   & a student

    Location: Sibelius-Academy R-Building Concert Hall

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

  • Speaker: Mimi Zweig

    Location: Sibelius-Academy R-Building Concert Hall

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

    Mimi Zweig is professor of music in violin at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and director of the Indiana University String Academy. She joined the Jacobs School of Music faculty in 1976. Zweig studied with Louis Krasner, Samuel Kissel, Raphael Bronstein, and Tadeusz Wroński. She has been a member of the Syracuse Symphony, American Symphony under Leopold Stokowski, and Indianapolis Symphony. She has developed pre-college string programs across the United States since 1972. Zweig has given master classes and pedagogy workshops in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Israel, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and throughout Europe. Her innovative web-based teaching tool, Mimi Zweig StringPedagogy.com, is accessed worldwide. American Public Television released the Emmy-nominated documentary Circling Around —The Violin Virtuosi, featuring IU String Academy students, in Spring 2006. In 2019, Zweig was the recipient of the American String Teachers Association Artist Teacher Award. Her students have won numerous competitions and teach and perform worldwide. 

    Email: zweig@iu.edu

    Website: http://www.stringpedagogy.com

  • Sponsored by City of Helsinki & D’Addario

    Location: Lower Foyer, Musiikkitalo

    Address: Mannerheimintie 13 A, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

    Includes a moment of Finnish Music performed by Adrian Ibañez-Resjan, violin, and Alicia Ibañez-Resjan, piano.

    Read more about Adrian at https://adrianibanez-resjan.com/fi/.

  • Read more here. The concert is organized in partnership with the Helsinki Festival.

    Location: Concert Hall, Musiikkitalo

    Address: Mannerheimintie 13 A, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

    Program:

    Sibelius Academy Symphony Orchestra

    Susanna Mälkki, conductor

    Please note: Register for the concert by 30 April to guarantee a ticket! 

  • Location: Art Cafe Feeniks, Sibelius-Academy R-Building

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

    This session only for the conference participants.

    Performer: Laura Airola, violin / Django Collective Helsinki 

    Laura Airola (b.1977) began playing the violin at the age of five at the Janakkala Music Institute. In 1991, she was accepted to study at the Youth Department of the Sibelius Academy. In 1991–1997 she played in the Helsinki Junior Strings (Helsingin Juniorijouset), participating in numerous international tours. In 1996-2002 Laura studied at Sibelius Academy´s Programme of Classical Music Performance, graduating with a Master of Music degree.

    In addition to the violin, Laura plays the nyckelharpa, mandolin, tin whistle and Celtic harp, performing Irish music, klezmer, and acoustic jazz. Her notable ensembles include Mustarastas, Freilach mit Kneidlach, Riku Niemi Orchestra, Jousikaiku Quartet, Hilland Playboys, and Django Collective Helsinki. In 2013 and 2022, the latter group was featured on the compilation series "Django Festival 7" released by the Norwegian label Hot Club Records, alongside top names in the field.

    As a freelance musician, Laura has appeared on over two hundred recordings. Laura also composes, writes lyrics, arranges, and produces music. In 2000, she was awarded second prize in a poetry competition organized by the publisher Gummerus and Nuoren Voiman Liitto (Young Power Association). Her arrangements and compositions have been featured in concerts and on albums by artists such as Johanna Iivanainen, Mustarastas, Jussi Raittinen, and the Riku Niemi Orchestra, as well as performed by numerous string ensembles.

    www.dch.fi

Thursday 27 August 2026

Thursday is all about creativity, collaboration, and string innovation. Dive into collaboration with contrabass with The Finnish Contrabass Club, and the Grandissimo Viola Orchestra. The day culminates in the Cello FiESTA!, where Finnish cellists, teachers, and students of all generations come together.

  • Pilates session with Tarja Nyberg.

    Location: Sibelius-Academy R-Building, Concert Hall

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

  • Concert of Finnish Music with New Instruments of Modern Makers

    Location: Sibelius Academy, R-Building Chamber Music Hall

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

    Suomen Viulunrakentajien Kilta – The Guild of Finnish Violinmakers represents the highest professional craftmanship of violin and bow makers in Finland. The 11 members serve the string players across the country from Helsinki to Salla (in Lappland) and represent a vast source of experience, knowledge and divercity of the string instrument trade.

    Making, repairing and restoring violins, violas, celli and basses and their bows with a high standard.

    The concert will be played with the new instruments and bows made by the members of the Guild and by the students of the Oulu Conservatory. Oulu is the Cultural capital of Europe 2026. The music students are instructed by Maarit Karppelin and Johanna Leponiemi.

    The instruments and bows can be seen and tried after the concert.

    PROGRAM

    Erkki Melartin (1875-1937): Berceuse op. 44 no 4

    Tapani Smolander, violin 

    Toivo Kuula (1983-1918): Lied op. 2 no 5 

    Katriina Lohi, viola 

    Armas Järnefelt (1869-1958): Berceuse (1904) 

    Iina Kipinä, violoncello 

    Jean Sibelius (1865-1957): Romance op. 78 no 2

    Ilona Heikkilä, violin 

    Toivo Kuula (1983-1918): Valce caprice (sine op.)

    Katriina Lohi, viola 

    Heino Kaski (1885-1957): Air op. 51 no 2 

    Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928-2016): Danza (1993) 

    Tapani Smolander, violin 

    Taneli Kuusisto (1905-1988): Concolation op. 32 no 1

    Iina Kipinä, violoncello 

    Aulis Sallinen (1935-): Cadenze op. 14 

    Jean Sibelius (1865-1957): Novelette op. 102 

    Ilona Heikkilä, violin 

    Pianist: Sanna Smolander 

  • Sponsored by: Pirastro

    Location: Sibelius Academy, R-Building Concert Hall
    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki
    In association with: The Finnish Contrabass Club (est. 1976)

    Organizers: Tarja Nyberg, Marja-Helena Ojanperä

    Playing and working together works - especially with the double bass. That’s why collaboration is at the heart of Finnish double bass teaching today.

    Double bass teaching traditions are relatively young, particularly for young children. Few students start their musical journey on the double bass as a first instrument.

    The introduction of the Mini Bass (1/16) only a few decades ago has expanded possibilities, inspiring new methods and creative ways to teach technique across the full fingerboard.

    In Finland - a country of long distances - we have worked to build a strong community among bass players, finding new ways to connect teachers, performers, and students through music.

    PROGRAM

    Trad. (arr. Panu Pärssinen): Hyttyslaulu (Mosquito Song) Lentäjäkirppu (Flying Flea) 

    Maija Ruuskanen: Kuolemankello (A Dampwood Borer)

    Norwegian Folk Song: Jeg lagde meg så silde (I Went to Bed) (arr. Jukka Rantamäki)  

    Elliot Carter: Rumba 

    Lauri Porra: Animation 

    Leonard Bernstein: West Side Story 

    (arr. Jorma Härkönen)  

    (arr. Tuomo Matero): Eurovision Mash Up 

    Lauri Porra: Iloiset Merirosvot (The Happy Pirates) 

    Panu Pärssinen: Ahh! Bass! FIRST PUBLIC PERFORMANCE Elton John (arr. Jorma Härkönen): Can You Feel the Love Tonight 

    Astor Piazzolla (arr. Panu Pärssinen): Oblivion 

    Darude (arr. Panu Pärssinen): Sandstrom 


  • Sponsored by: Pirastro

    Location: Sibelius-Academy R-Building Concert Hall

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

    In association with: The Finnish Viola Society

    Finnish viola players will showcase their artistry and the many facets of the instrument in the Viva Violas! concert on Thursday, 27 August at 5:00 pm in the Sibelius Academy R Building Concert Hall (Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki).

    The program spans a wide musical spectrum, from Telemann to tango and from Alakotila to Ali-Mattila, and features violists of all ages and levels - from beginners to seasoned professionals.

    The Grandissimo Viola Orchestra will be conducted by Finnish violist and conductor Vuokko Lahtinen. Viola players are warmly invited to join the orchestra on stage with their own instruments.

    PROGRAM 

    László Rossa (1941-): Heinäsirkan häät (Grasshopper Wedding) (arr. Mike Peltola) 

    Erkki Melartin (1875-1937): Hopotihoi 

    (arr. Tarja Koskinen):  

    Trad: Kettu, hukka, jänis (A Fox, a Wolf, a Rabbit) *Miniviolas, conductor Johanna Paananen, pianist Salla Pynssi 

    Paul Hindemith (1895-1963): Trauermusik 

    *Ellen Herler, viola, Young Stars -violaensemble, conductor Vuokko Lahtinen 

    Benjamin Dale (1885-1943): Introduction and Andante op. 5 Andrew Norman (1979-): Gran Turismo 

    *Young Stars -violaensemble 

    Tiina Kaukinen (1974-): Kuubalainen kissa (A Cuban Cat) Sancho Engaño (1922-1995): Galliard

    *Juniorviolas, conductor Vuokko Lahtinen 

    Kaj Chydenius-  

    (arr. Teppo Alimattila (1969-): Nuoruustango - Asturiana *Grandissimo Violas, conductor Vuokko Lahtinen

  • Location: Sibelius-Academy R-Building Concert Hall

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

    Sponsored by Thomastik.

    Welcome to the CELLO FiESTA! Concert, where Finnish cellists, pedagogues and students from different generations and ages come together on one stage! This event celebrates ensemble playing and the collaboration between teachers and students from the Finnish Music Institutes and the Sibelius Academy.

    The Finnish cello tradition and pedagogy are known for high level and versatility. In this concert, you will hear a rich repertoire spanning many styles and centuries! It is a true FiESTA! of cello music!

    PROGRAM 

    Trad. A Little Bunny’s Summer Day *Cello Ensemble Hau; Teachers Tiia Ignatius and Jaakko Kulo (Käpylä Music Institute), pianist Säde Erkkilä 

    László Rossa (1941-): Terve, herra Lentokone (Hello, Mr. Airplane) *Cello Ensemble; Teacher Anna Hannikainen (East Helsinki Music Institute), pianist Kaija  Hakkila 

    Camille Saint-Saëns (1835–1921): The Swan 

    Astor Piazzolla (1921–1992): Libertango 

    *Young Cello Virtuosos: Frank Sundqvist, Selja Hakamies, Veikko Aarnio, Ruusu-Talvikki Heikkilä, Pietari Huhdanpää, Linnea Laaksamo, Ellen Lundqvist, Samuel Latonen, Ukri Siirala 

    Richard Wagner (1813–1883): Feierliches Stück from Lohengrin,  arr. Friedrich Grützmacher 

    *Sibelius Academy Cellos; Teacher Joona Pulkkinen 

    Julius Klengel (1859–1933): Hymnus 

    *Teacher’s Ensemble: Marko Ylönen, Joona Pulkkinen, Erkki Lahesmaa, Markus Hallikainen, Laura Olli, Petja Kainulainen, Markus Pelli, Anna Záborszky-Teppo, Kristiina Hirvonen, Tiia Ignatius, Johannes Teppo, Hannu Kiiski 

    Jean Sibelius (1865–1957): Impromptu 

    arr. A. Hakkarainen 

    Eero Heinonen (1979– ): Veden alla 

    arr. L. Hongisto 

    George Bizet (1838–1875): Carmen - Prélude 

    arr. P. Grans 

    Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928–2016): Sydämeni laulu 

    *Cello Fiesta Cello Orchestra 

    Soloist: Marko Ylönen

    Conductor: Kyösti Vesterinen 

    The cellists of the Cello Fiesta represent 15 different music institutes, conservatories, and the Sibelius Academy from across Finland. 

  • Location: Art Cafe Feeniks, Sibelius-Academy R-Building

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

    This session only for the conference participants.

    Performer: Laura Airola, violin / Django Collective Helsinki 

    Laura Airola (b.1977) began playing the violin at the age of five at the Janakkala Music Institute. In 1991, she was accepted to study at the Youth Department of the Sibelius Academy. In 1991–1997 she played in the Helsinki Junior Strings (Helsingin Juniorijouset), participating in numerous international tours. In 1996-2002 Laura studied at Sibelius Academy´s Programme of Classical Music Performance, graduating with a Master of Music degree.

    In addition to the violin, Laura plays the nyckelharpa, mandolin, tin whistle and Celtic harp, performing Irish music, klezmer, and acoustic jazz. Her notable ensembles include Mustarastas, Freilach mit Kneidlach, Riku Niemi Orchestra, Jousikaiku Quartet, Hilland Playboys, and Django Collective Helsinki. In 2013 and 2022, the latter group was featured on the compilation series "Django Festival 7" released by the Norwegian label Hot Club Records, alongside top names in the field.

    As a freelance musician, Laura has appeared on over two hundred recordings. Laura also composes, writes lyrics, arranges, and produces music. In 2000, she was awarded second prize in a poetry competition organized by the publisher Gummerus and Nuoren Voiman Liitto (Young Power Association). Her arrangements and compositions have been featured in concerts and on albums by artists such as Johanna Iivanainen, Mustarastas, Jussi Raittinen, and the Riku Niemi Orchestra, as well as performed by numerous string ensembles.

    www.dch.fi

Friday 28 August 2026

Friday is all about pedagogy, history, and performance. Discover how the Finnish String Academy’s offers extracurricular support for exceptional young talents and meet the ESTA Next Generation in a panel with Markus Hallikainen. Step into history at Jean Sibelius’ home Ainola, where Satu Jalas performs on Sibelius’ own violin. The day ends in chamber music at Rock Church with Réka Szilvay, Marko Ylönen, and friends.

  • Somatic Pilates fascia session with Heidi Mantere

    Location: Sibelius-Academy R-Building, Concert Hall

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

  • Kuula’s music arranged for students’ string orchestras

    Location: Sibelius-Academy R-Building, Chamber Music Hall

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

    Organizer: Sirkka Kuula

    Pianist: Salla Pynssi

    Sponsor: Espoo Music Institute

    In this workshop, Sirkka Kuula will share the life and work of her great-uncle, inviting the audience to take part - also from the stands. Come and play, or simply listen!

    Toivo Kuula (1883-1918) was a Finnish composer. He favoured national romantic and was influenced by French impressionism.

    Sirkka Kuula has arranged Toivo Kuula's violin, piano, organ, and choral pieces for into pieces for string orchestras, which are also suitable for student orchestras in music schools. The arrangements have been constructed such that the themes move from one instrument to another, giving each musician a wide variation of musical parts to play. Many works also include easy parts, so even beginners can join in, while a few can also feature a soloist. Regardless, each work retains the rich language of Toivo Kuula's music, so that even young musicians can experience its wonderful harmony and unique atmosphere.

    How to Participate in the TOIVO KUULA Workshop as a Member of the Orchestra

    A

    • Express your interest by emailing kuula.sirkka@gmail.com.

    • We will meet when everyone arrives in Helsinki, and you can pick up the sheet music in advance to familiarize yourself. If you wish, I can also send the music to you by email.

    • Come to the Chamber Music Hall on August 28 around 10:00 AM!

    • If you need an instrument, visit Finnish violin makers and ask to borrow one.

    B

    • Stop by the Chamber Music Hall on August 28 around 10:00 AM and join in playing!

    We have openings for the following instruments:

    • 5 first violins

    • 5 second violins

    • 3 violas

    • 2 cellos

  • Location: Sibelius-Academy R-Building Concert Hall

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

    In association with: The Finnish String Academy

    Sponsored by: Saatsi Architects
    www. saatsi. fi

    A concert with the Finnish String Academy, offering extracurricular talent training to exceptionally talented young string players in Finland.

    The Finnish String Academy offers high level extracurricular training to talented young string players in Finland. The String Academy is composed of the Violin Academy, Cello Academy and Viola Academy.

    The main purpose of the String Academy is to promote string instrument education in Finland and to support the development of talented Finnish musicians toward professional excellence. Since its inception in 2009, the String Academy has successfully trained competition winners and outstanding musicians who have established themselves in Finland’s classical music scene as soloists, chamber musicians, and orchestra members.

    Read more at https://jousiakatemia.fi/en.

    PROGRAM

    Grazyna Bacewicz (1909-1969): Quartet for four violins (1949)

    1st Movement: Allegretto-Allegro giocoso 

    3rd Movement: Molto allegro 

    *Leea Mattila, Katri Mettänen, Aino Mattila, Vilma Tikkanen, violin 

    Robert Schumann (1810-1856): Adagio and Allegro Op. 70

    *Juuso Leinonen, violoncello

    William Walton (1902-1983): Concerto for viola and orchestra

    1st movement: Andante comodo 

    *Ingrid Odé, viola 

    Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Sonata for pianoforte and violoncello  in A-major Op. 69 

    1st movement: Allegro ma non tanto 

    *Akseli Rudin, violoncello 

    Giuseppe Tartini (1692-1770): Devil’s trill sonata in G minor (arr. F. Kreisler) 

    *Lilja Haatainen, violin 

    Pianist Liisa Malmivaara 

  • Location: Sibelius-Academy R-Building Concert Hall

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

    In association with: ESTA Next Generation

    Moderator: Markus Hallikainen

  • Please note that the excursion is now fully booked. You may visit Ainola also independently. Alternatively, a guided visit with a local guide is being planned using public transport. More information will be available on the conference website closer to the event.

    Sponsored by d’Addario.

    Violinist Satu Jalas, granddaughter of Sibelius, performs on the composer’s own violin.

    Departure by bus at 16:00.

    Includes concert sponsored by D’Addario

  • Temppeliaukion kirkko / The Rock Church

    RADALLA Festival & European String Teachers Association: RENDEZVOUS

    Réka Szilvay, Marko Ylönen & Friends

    In co-operation with the Radalla festival

    PROGRAM

    Zoltán Kodály (1882–1967): Duo for violin and cello Op. 7 (1914)           Allegro serioso, non troppo       

    Adagio - Andante                

    Maestoso e largamente, ma non troppo lento - Presto 

    *Réka Szilvay, violin 

    *Marko Ylönen, violoncello 

    Olli Mustonen (1967–): Nonet No. 2 (2000)              

    Inquieto            

    Allegro impetuoso                  

    Adagio                 

    Vivacissimo 

    *Tami Pohjola, violin 

    *Rebecca Roozeman, violin 

    *Triinu Piirsalu, violin 

    *Otto Antikainen, violin 

    *Annariina Jokela, viola 

    *Charlotta Westerback, viola 

    *Marko Ylönen, violoncello 

    *Artturi Aalto, violoncello 

    *Jasu Aalto, double bass 

    Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847): Octet in E-flat major Op. 20 (1825)               

    Allegro moderato ma con fuoco      

    Andante             

    Scherzo allegro leggierissimo           

    Presto 

    *Otto Antikainen, violin 

    *Réka Szilvay, violin 

    *Tami Pohjola, violin 

    *Rebecca Roozeman, violin 

    *Charlotta Westerback, viola 

    *Annariina Jokela, viola 

    *Artturi Aalto, violonello 

    *Marko Ylönen, violoncello 

  • Location: Art Cafe Feeniks, Sibelius-Academy R-Building

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

    Sponsor: Thomastik

    This session only for the conference participants.

    Presenter: Prof. Aaron Jacobs

Saturday 29 August 2026

Saturday celebrates strings in every style and for every age. Enjoy early music for all generations with Minna Kangas & Friends in Concerto Crosso, then experience the Gala Concert FiESTA! of String Orchestras, where Finnish youth orchestras perform Kuula and Sibelius, culminating in a grand finale with Géza Szilvay.

  • Gentle movement for the spine with Sinikka Sorvali

    Location: Sibelius-Academy R-Building, Concert Hall

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki

  • Early music for All Ages with the Collegium Team

    Location: Sibelius- Academy R-Building Concert Hall

    In association with: Collegium ry, Music Institutes of Kerava, Hyvinkää and Central Uusimaa, Sibelius- Academy

    Collegium is an association founded to promote and develop early music education. It organizes music projects for schools, large-scale Concerto Grosso events, a Baroque Workshop for seniors, a Baroque Academy for vocational students and children’s concerts as well as provides teaching material.

     

    During its 20-year history, the Collegium has created its own pedagogical method, where everyone gets to play together, regardless of their instrument, skill level or age. This is possible through carefully planned, historically informed (hip) arrangements for each ensemble. The presence of several early music professionals ensures that everyone receives guidance from an expert on their own instrument. The students will also have the opportunity to learn and be inspired by observing fellow students and teachers while playing alongside them. 

     

    Our goal is to spread the joy of playing together through the spirit and the groove of Baroque music. Welcome to listen to our concert and hear more about our early music projects!

    Collegium Team: Minna Kangas, Mari Kortelainen, Hanna Haapamäki, Elina Mattila, Niklas Mellberg, Laura Ollberg-Ekman 

  • Restaurant Töölö, Banquet Hall

    GALA CONCERT: FiESTA! OF STRING ORCHESTRAS

    Finnish String Youth Orchestras perform Finnish Music for Strings

    Over 200 performers from more than 10 music institutes across Finland!

    PROGRAM 

    Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928-2016): Divertimento 

    1st Movement; Allegro  

    *Helsinki Junior Strings, Tarja Nyberg, conductor, East Helsinki Music Institute 

    Leevi Madetoja (1887-1947): Elegy 

    *Kaukametsä Chamber Orchestra, Minna Tuhkala, conductor, Kainuu Music Institute 

    Uuno Klami (1900-1961) (arr.): Folk Song 

    Väinö Raitio (1891-1945) (arr.): Folk Song 

    *Kotkan seudun musiikkiopiston jousiorkesteri (E?), Esa Heikkilä, conductor 

    Erkki Salmenhaara (1941-2002): Poema per violincello ed orchestra d’archi  (1975) 

    Nurmijärvi & Middle-Helsinki Music Institutes, Tuomas Rousi, conductor SolistiVeikko Aarnio, sello 

    Jukka-Pekka Lehto (1958-2026): Hot tango (1997, arr. 2026) *Palmgren Corservatory String Orchestra, Minna Litmanen, conductor 

    Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928-2016): Suite for Strings 

    Presto 

    Andante 

    Vivace assai (alla giga) 

    Ahti Sonninen (1914-1984): Canto

    (solist Marko Ylönen, violoncello)  *Helsinki Strings, Janne Nisonen, conductor, East Helsinki Music Institute 

    Toivo Kuula (1883-1918): Chanson sans paroles 

    Jean Sibelius (1865-1957): Andante festivo 

    *All orchestras, Géza Szilvay, conductor  

    *In two last pieces also groups from Espoo, Kerava, Northern Kymi and Riihimäki Music  Institutes and Oulu Conservatory

  • Restaurant Töölö, Banquet Hall

    Please note: Tickets to the gala dinner are sold only up and until 1 August 2026.

Sunday 30 August 2026

Sunday mixes folk music and tradition with the future of string music. Bojan Cvetrežnik and Barja Drnovšek bring the Slovenian fiddle to life, followed by a panel on folk music in classical education. The conference closes with a symphonic concert at Temppeliaukio Church in collaboration between three music institutes, Käpylä, Juvenalia & Dortmund Jugend Filharmoni. Conducted by Achim Fiedler and Jussi & Riku Huuska performing as soloist, the program includes Sibelius, Schumann, and Hatsaturjan.

  • Alexander Technique with Maija Sinisalo

    Location: Sibelius-Academy R-Building, Concert Hall

    Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9, Helsinki


  • Bojan Cvetrežnik and Barja Drnovšek

  • In association with: ESTA Folk

    Participants:

    • Dr. Vilma Timonen, mod. Head of the Folk Music Department

    • Mauno Järvelä, Prof.

    • Bojan Cvetreznik, Slovenia

    • Emilia Lajunen

    • Tiina Aho-Erola

    • Alina Kivivuori

    • Viive Virtanen, student

  • Kaija Saarikettu: PARATIISIN LINTU & LUULIN LINTUSEN LAULAVAN for Two Violins

    Jôkubas Švambaris & Kaija Saarikettu, viulu

    Nenad First: TOLMUNI “Pools for String orchestra”

    String students of Sibelius Academy 

    Elisar Riddelin, cond.

  • Näppärit - folk music based pedagogy

    Speakers: Alina Kivivuori, Siiri Virkkala, Elina Havia

    Näppäri pedagogics is a Finnish approach to music education that emphasizes community, inclusivity, and cultural sustainability. 

    Core Principles

    • Intergenerational Music-Making: People of different ages and skill levels play together, creating a sense of belonging and mutual learning.

    • Local Traditions in Repertoire: Näppäri actively incorporates local folk music and cultural heritage into its teaching, ensuring these traditions remain alive and relevant.

    • Collaborative Learning: Instead of competitive or hierarchical structures, Näppäri promotes cooperation and shared experiences.

    Cultural Sustainability

    By preserving and transmitting local musical traditions, Näppäri helps maintain cultural diversity and living heritage. This aligns with UNESCO’s Framework for Culture & Arts Education for integrating local knowledge systems into education and promoting cultural equity.

    Social Sustainability

    Intergenerational participation strengthens community ties and fosters social cohesion. Shared music-making builds empathy, cooperation skills, and a strenghtened sense of belonging and identity.

    New material "Nifty Näppäri"

    A new three-part learning material for violinists based on Näppäri ideology is currently under development. "Nifty Näppäri" -books (fin Näppärä Näppäri)  are suitable for goal-oriented violin teaching in accordance with the curriculum of the Finnish Association of Music Schools, both general and extensive. Part 1 is being introduced by the Näppäri teachers at Esta-conference in Helsinki. 

    SPEAKERS

    Alina Kivivuori spent her childhood and youth in Kaustinen. The folk music influences absorbed from Näppärit and the Järvelä village fiddlers are still present in her playing, even though her studies led her to profession in classical music. Alina currently works as a violin lecturer at the Vantaa Music Institute and performs with, among others, the Frigg band (www.frigg.fi) and in various projects, for example, with the Fibo (Finnish Baroque Orchestra). Most recently, Alina joined the new children's music band Henna ja Supersankarit (hennasupersankarit.com). Alina is actively involved in developing the Näppäri pedagogy (www.napparit.f) and is a sought-after teacher at courses and camps. Her latest effort was to found Folk It! camps in Uusimaa region. (www.folkitmusic.com).

    Siiri Virkkala's path to becoming a violin teacher has meandered through positions as an orchestral musician and baroque violinist, as well as playing the violin. Previously, Virkkala has worked as a violinist in the Norrland Opera Symphony Orchestra in Umeå, Sweden, and in the Central Ostrobothnia Chamber Orchestra. She has also been active in the period instruments-using Barocco Boreale and Rantatie Quartet. Currently, Virkkala works as a violin teacher at the Perhonjokilaakso Community College and the Central Ostrobothnia Conservatory, with a significant number of students who have only recently begun their playing careers. The strong musical tradition of her family and Kaustinen region is visible and audible in Virkkala's work as she directs the Näppärit both in her hometown and in summer and weekend courses in various parts of Finland and abroad.

    Elina Havia is a violin teacher and musician from Kaustinen. She teaches violin at the Central Ostrobothnia Conservatory and has been dealing with näppäripedagogy ( www.napparit.f ) from the 1980s, first as a student and the last 30 years as a teacher. Elina Havia has played folk music since she was a child, and it has also been used alongside classical music in her teaching work.

  • Coffee at the Lobby of Concert Hall

  • Temppeliaukio Church

    Cooperation concert of Three Music Institutes: Käpylä, Juvenalia & Dortmund Jugend Filharmoni

    Achim Fiedler, cond.

    Jussi Huuska & Riku Huuska, violin

    • Jean Sibelius: Violin Concerto

    • Robert Schumann: Symphony nr 4

    • Aram Hatsaturjan: Sword Dance

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