In summer 2025, a new terrace opens in Helsinki’s Lönnrot Park, and it will be filled with the sounds of a Finno-Ugric summer!
pihla folk presents three concerts curated by Mari Pääkkönen, showcasing the deep cultural ties between Estonians, Finns, and Karelians through music and language. These performances highlight the cross-border nature of Finno-Ugric traditions and the close connection between kindred peoples.
Representing Estonia is the internationally acclaimed Duo Ruut, known for their unique approach: two musicians, one zither. This single instrument in between Ann-Lisett Rebane and Katariina Kivi creates, what Mojo called “a band sized sound”. As Songlines has said – accompanied by ethereal voices which slowly draw you to the
world. Sometimes the barest, most minimal music can hit the hardest.
On June 12, Duo Ruut is going to release their second full album “Ilmateade” (“The Weather Report”), which tells stories from different times, different people and most of all, from different weathers. Using Estonian traditional texts as song lyrics, it is a testament to the fact that the weather is not just a passive element behind our windows, but instead an ever-changing character that has more power over us than we care to remember in our busy daily lives. Almost every song on the new album touches the topic of weather in one way or another, some very straightforward, others deep and metaphorical.
The concert at Lönnrot Park will also serve as the release show for this new album, out on June 12!
More information: Lönnrotin terassi
Photo: Ako Lehemets