The Kaustinen Folk Music Festival showcase series presents emerging names in folk music. The festival's programme production team selected three interesting line-ups from among dozens of applicants - including Saarijärvi-based contemporary folk music ensemble Copenhagen. The performers of the Showcase series were announced on the Folklandia cruise on 9 January.
Kopla played arranged and contemporary folk music with a relaxed, youthful and rooted feel. The line-up includes violins, harmonium, bass, accordions and percussion. Singers join in with big band gigs. Next summer, Kopla will perform at the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival with both its ten-piece basic ensemble and a big band version.
Kopla has strong roots in Saarijärvi. Four of the ten-piece band members still live in Saarijärvi, the rest are scattered all over Finland. A common musical journey has carried Kopla for ten years now. The steadfast support of their home region has sustained the group and kept its roots firmly in Saarijärvi. Especially in the early days of the band, the encouragement of old Saarijärvi musicians, who were still young girls at the time, helped the band to move forward. Kopla's music is also influenced by its home region - over the years, it has included numerous Saarijärvi and Central Finland composers.
Copenhagen
Kopla's career has included numerous highlights, including the Finnish Peliman Band Championships in Mäntsälä in 2011, tours to Estonia and Germany, representing Finland at the Nordic Peliman Band Championships in Sälen in 2011, the release of their debut album in 2010 and their 10th anniversary in 2014. Being included in the showcase series of Finland's biggest folk music event is a tribute to Kopla. ”Having been in Kaustinen since we were young, the invitation to the bigger stages has been tempting. The Showcase designation is a great continuation of Kopla's 10th anniversary year, but also one of the biggest challenges of the year. Hopefully it will bring new listeners, gigs and connections!” Kopla members sum up.
What adds to Kopla's chess is the friendship - it's not just a band of players, but a deep friendship between the band members. It adds colour to the music and keeps the band together despite the distances. The long journey together, which has grown into a friendship, continues to give the band the enthusiasm to challenge themselves and the whole group to practice and entertain the audience.
Kaustinen Folk Music Festival will be held for the 48th time on 6.-12.7.2015. The Showcase series was launched in 2013. It showcases emerging names in folk music. The artists and bands selected for the series will perform on the festival's main stages. Other 2015 showcase artists include Swedish pop and jazz-influenced contemporary folk music band Jaerv and Joensuu-based guitarist and folk musician J-P Piirainen.