Member of Parliament Jutta Urpilainen was in a hurry and kindly answered the questions of the Kaustinen Festival blog:
What do you think a person from Central Ostrobothnia is like?
Central Ostrobothnia combines a wide range of interface skills. We are West Finns, and at the same time we also feel North Finnish. We are a bilingual province. We are a cultural county that is both an enthusiast of folk culture and high culture. We are by the sea, but we are also familiar with the nature of rivers and lakes. We are rooted in Finland, but as a coastal region we have historically been involved in international cooperation. At these interfaces, we are open to new things, which allows us to create new things. We are also open to each other's diversity, which gives everyone room to breathe.
And what comes to mind when you hear the word Kaustinen?
Kaustinen has valued folk culture and created a strong brand for itself. This can be seen in many ways. A nationally and internationally renowned folk music festival is the most visible manifestation, but it is also much more. For example, the decades of high quality work in music education at the Music Academy is a cultural achievement that is reflected in Finnish musical life in many ways. I myself was able to enjoy the talents of talented young people at the Conservatoire at an event I organised after 15 years as a Member of Parliament. At the beginning of June, I received the wonderful news that Finland is nominating the Kaustis violin to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. This would increase the international profile of Kaustinen and Central Ostrobothnia.
I understand that music has played a big role in your life - how important is it in your life today and do you think you have enough time for it in your busy everyday life? Do you also bring music into your child's life?
Years of studying piano and singing at the Central Ostrobothnian Music Institute and Conservatory have given her a strong foundation for her musical hobby. Even though I did not end up as a professional musician, music is part of my life. Although concerts and the role of the listener are more familiar nowadays, the Parliamentary Band has also kept me in the mood for performing. I was also challenged to perform at the EU Finance Ministers' dinner in Copenhagen. In a way, the circle is closed now that I have been able to return to the Conservatoire as the parent of a Muscovite.
Have you been to a folk music festival yourself and do you have any special memories of it?
Going to the Kaustinen Festival has been a tradition since childhood. It has also continued during my time as a Member of Parliament. Last summer, my own child attended for the first time. Sitting on the evening fireplace while the musicians play is one of the most memorable experiences. Saturday night performances by top artists have also been part of the programme on many occasions. In general, the atmosphere of the festival, which is spread over different stages and venues - an attitude of performing for each other - is great.
The municipality of Kaustinen is 150 years old this year. The population has remained more or less the same in recent years, unlike in many smaller Finnish municipalities. How can we keep smaller municipalities vibrant in the future? How do you see the role of cultural events in this?
Through culture, small towns create a distinctive identity that attracts a wide range of activities and new people. Kaustinen has folk music. Lohtaja has church music. It is also very important for the larger municipalities. Kokkola has chamber music. Seinäjoki has tango. Pori has jazz. Savonlinna has opera.
Do you have any favourites among Finland's summer events?
Kaustinen Folk, Kokkola Opera Festival and Ykspihlaja Cultural Week have become regular traditions. Elsewhere in Finland, the Savonlinna Opera Festival and the Mikkeli Music Festival have been among the side events of family trips.
Interview with Tove Djupsjöbacka
Photo: www.juttaurpilainen.fi
