Folk music composition competition 2026 decided

Early this year Suomen Kansanmusiikkiliitto held its traditional composition competition, this time aimed at children and young people. A gratifying number of new compositions came in from around the country, 27 works in all.

A jury of music professionals had the pleasant task of going through all the works during April and proposing a top three in each age group's competition class. The jury also wants to recognise one work with an honourable mention.

Each of the seven awarded young composers will receive a 50-euro gift card to the Suomen Kansanmusiikkiliitto online shop. Warm congratulations to the winners, and a big thank you to everyone — keep composing!

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“The jury was delighted by the large number of compositions entered in the children's and young people's composition competition and by how fine the compositions were. It was also gratifying to see the wide range of instruments used in performing them.

The jury agreed on the best compositions, and since each piece was splendid and representative in its own style, the jury decided to name the best pieces as a group, without ranking them. The named pieces showed natural playability, a good folk music pulse, improvisation and atmosphere.

In the younger class, for those born 2015–2020, we place the following compositions in the top three:

Evafina Holm, Perhonjoen sureva fiuli

Aava Jäske, Ajelehtiva pilvi

Minttu Parviainen, Oma polska

and

In the class for those born 2009–2014 the top three are:

Tilma Härkönen, Hiutale

Sini Kujala, Loskapolkka

Einari Talvio, Kesä

In addition, we want to award an honourable mention to:

David Zon, Päivän aikana

Thank you to all participants and happy composing!”

-Timo Saarimäki
chair of the jury

Illustration photo: Jaana Kari