Eino Leino, Day of Poetry and Summer in Valamo, Sat, July 4, 2026
At the Cultural Center at 1:00 PM
Eino Leino Day is celebrated annually on July 6th, when summer is at its most beautiful.
This summer in Valamo, friends of poetry and music will gather to celebrate Eino Leino's masterful word art already on Saturday, July 4, 2026!
Eino Leino's poems have touched the souls of Finns for over a hundred years. Leino has also been called Finland's most quoted poet.
The concert held in his honor is full of well-known classics and lesser-known texts by Leino.
The music consists of older and newer compositions set to the texts.
You are warmly welcome to experience an impressive, multidisciplinary event.
Concert tickets €25/person
Tickets on sale at the WebTuohus online store.
You can also book your place for the concert from Sales Service: tel. 017 570 1810 or salesservice@valamo.fi
Also ask about accommodation!
Tickets also available at the door one hour before the concert.
WELCOME!
Eino Leino - Singing and Reciting
Recitation Artist Maija Piitulainen, poems
Artist Jonna Ortju, vocals
Accordion Artist Matti Ekman, accompaniment
Performer Introductions
Recitation Artist Maija Piitulainen
The career of Maija Piitulainen, 84, a versatile artist and cultural figure from Suolahti, began as a little girl. She was encouraged to sing and recite. Maija has also acted and studied directing. She still leads a folk high school poetry group and is currently preparing for performances of Katri Tannila's monologue, Niityiltä tuulee, in Central Finland. Maija is eagerly looking forward to summer and the fulfillment of a long-held dream, her visit to Valamo on Saturday, July 4, 2026, when she will interpret the poems of Eino Leino, whom she loves. (Photo by Marjo Steffanson)
Accordion Artist Matti Ekman
Matti Ekman, a versatile musician living in Jyväskylä, has had a career spanning over 40 years as a musician, artistic director, and conductor in theaters, concerts, and as a studio and TV musician. Matti's instruments include various accordions, from digital accordions to bandoneons. His repertoire is also very broad, from baroque to tango and from folk music to spiritual music. In addition to performing, Matti also works as a teacher and professionally services instruments. (Photo by Keijo Valkonen)
Artist Jonna Ortju
Jonna Ortju, a multidisciplinary artist and music therapist, has had a career spanning 40 years, offering art and culture across the board to her audience. Even as a little girl, Jonna knew that performing, singing, and acting were her calling. Very soon, her own compositions, scripts, and directions were also included. Jonna has worked as a pop-jazz singing teacher since the 90s and as an artist in numerous ensembles, from gospel to jazz, classical to entertainment and children's music. She has worked as a studio musician for several artists and developed several fairy tale characters, company brands, and products. Last year, Jonna performed two premieres in theater: the major production Niskavuori musical and the musical monologue, Vanhan Valamon Juuli, which premiered in Valamo. The story tells of Jonna's great-aunt's life in border Karelia, Vanha Lintula, her evacuation journey, and life in inland Finland. Valamo is an important place for Jonna, where one can find peace and even complete art projects in an encouraging and inspiring atmosphere.
