Eino Leino's Day of Poetry and Summer at Valamo, Sat, July 4, 2026
In the Cultural Center at 1:00 PM
Eino Leino's Day is celebrated annually on July 6, when summer is at its most beautiful. This year 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 the most quoted poet in Finland.
The concert held in his honor is full of well-known classics as well as 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, multi-artistic experience.
Concert tickets 25€/person
Tickets on sale in the WebTuohus online store.
You can also reserve your place for the concert through salesservice: tel. 017 570 1810 or salesservice@valamo.fi
Also inquire 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
Accordionist Matti Ekman, accompaniment
Performer introductions
Recitation artist Maija Piitulainen
Maija Piitulainen, 84, a versatile artist and cultural figure from Suolahti, began her career as a little girl. She was encouraged to sing and recite. Maija has also acted and studied directing. She still leads a poetry group at the community college 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 realization of a long-standing dream, a visit to Valamo on Saturday, July 4, 2026, when she will interpret the poems of Eino Leino, whom she loves. (Photo Marjo Steffanson)
Accordionist Matti Ekman
Matti Ekman, a versatile musician living in Jyväskylä, has worked as a musician, artistic director, and conductor in theaters, concerts, and as a studio and TV musician during his more than 40-year career. Matti plays 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 works as a teacher and professionally repairs instruments. (Photo, Keijo Valkonen)
Artist Jonna Ortju
Jonna Ortju, a multidisciplinary artist and music therapist, has offered art and culture to her audience for over 40 years. Even as a little girl, Jonna knew that performing, singing, and acting were her calling. Soon, her own compositions, scripts, and directing 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 in the background and has developed several fairy tale characters and corporate brands and products. Last year, Jonna had two premieres in theater: the major production Niskavuori musical and the musical monologue, Juuli of Old Valamo, which premiered in Valamo. The story tells of Jonna's great-aunt's life in Border Karelia, Old Lintula, her evacuation journey, and life in inland Finland. Valamo is an important place for Jonna, where she can contemplate and even complete art projects in an inspiring and motivating atmosphere.
