Chamber Music and light summernights
The coastline of Ostrobothnia in Western Finland is among the most beautiful regions in the Nordic Countries. The only UNESCO nature world heritage site in Finland is situated in Korsholm, in Kvarken, the archipelagoarea between Finland and Sweden.
Since 1983 Korsholm Music Festival has invited leading nordic and international artists to perform in unique surroundings of historic concert halls, museums, rustic archipelago rooms and wooden churches, so typical for the westcoast of Finland. This all facinate both audience and performers.
Composers as Alfred Schnittke, Erik Bergman and more lately Sebastian Fagerlund, Toshi Ichianagi and Matthew Whittall have honoured the festival with their music and presence. Since 2018 the Finnish composers Lauri Porra, Olli Kortekangas and Lotta Wennäkoski have been composers in residence during the festival.
The repertoire is ranging from baroque and classical chamber works to contemporary music. Jazz in different forms is part of todays festival music. Master classes and student concerts also form an important part of the programme.
Artistic Directors through the years have been Seppo Kimanen (founder in 1983), Dmitry Sitkovetsky (1984–1993, 2002), Olli Mustonen (1989 in cooperation with D. Sitkovetsky), Frans Helmerson (1994–2001), John Storgårds 2004–2006), Dima Slobodeniouk (2007, 2009), Marko Ylönen (2003, 2008, 2010–2012), Henri Sigfridsson (2013–2017), and Cecilia Zilliacus (2018–2022). From beginning of 2023 cellist Jan-Erik Gustafsson is holding the post as Artistic Director.
During 9 days in the end of July and beginning of August, Korsholm Music Festival offers you more than 30 concerts and public discussions, the repertoire ranging from classic to jazz, for young, old and families. Nature and culinary experiences are offerend in addition to the concerts.
Vision: to enhance the enjoyment of chamber music in our region together with our friends around the world.
Mission: to create chamber music experiences in exciting surroundings for regular and new listeners.
Values: quality, reliability, well-being, accessibility, sustainability.
