Pro Kaustinen ry.
PRESS RELEASE 17.12.2021
The production organisation Pro Kaustinen ry., which organises the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival, has confirmed the results of the past summer festival and production season at its annual meeting on 16.12.2021. A total of 3,740 tickets were sold for the festival, which was organised as a hybrid format, including ticket sales for Virtual Kaustinen. The VirtuaaliKaustinen website attracted 67 070 visits from 36 countries during the festival week.
”The organisation of last summer's festival as a hybrid format within the constraints was exceptional. Based on the audience feedback and our experience, it was worthwhile and we are pleased with the execution and the previous financial year as a whole. The exceptional years have been welcomed as years of organisational development.” says Ira Korkala, President of Pro Kaustinen Association.
The festival organisation is delighted that the Kaušti violin concerto has been inscribed on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. ”This recognition is unique and significant for the living musical tradition of Kaustis, for the entire field of folk music and dance, and for the music scene in Finland. The Folk Music Festival, as the best-known platform for Kautskoye fiddling, is ready to meet the growing interest and demand. ” says Korkala.
The annual meeting of Pro Kaustinen ry elected Ira Korkala to continue as chairman of the association, also the current board members Tiina Pajukangas and Pilvi Järvelä will continue in their positions of trust, Ilona Salomaa-Uusitalo and Lauri Oino will start as new board members.
”Next summer's celebrations are being prepared with confidence and enthusiasm. Thanks to the virtual and hybrid celebrations, we will be better prepared to respond to changing situations. We have been able to test different production methods in exceptional conditions and have gained experience to support our development.” Valtteri Valo, Executive Director, comments.
The Kaustinen Folk Music Festival will take place next summer 11.-17.7.2022.The first programme details of the 55th edition of the festival will be published in January. The theme of the 2022 festival is Mukana! and the regional theme will be Karelia. The national annual theme of the Centre for the Promotion of Folk Music and Folk Dance is Minuet.
More info:
Ira Korkala, Chair, 040 583 2714, ira.korkala@kaustinen.net
Valtteri Valo, Executive Director, 040 358 2413, valtteri.valo@kaustinen.net