{"id":40991,"date":"2021-06-15T13:35:52","date_gmt":"2021-06-15T10:35:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kaustinen.net\/?page_id=40991"},"modified":"2026-06-10T22:04:06","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T19:04:06","slug":"masterplayer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kaustinen.net\/en\/mestaripelimannit\/","title":{"rendered":"Master Folk Musicians"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Tuure<\/span><\/div>

Master Folk Musician, Master Folk Dancer, Master Folk Singer<\/h1>\n

The title of Master Folk Musician, Master Folk Singer and Master Folk Dancer is awarded by the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival to a person who has promoted folk music or folk dance and its practice through his or her traditional skills, rich repertoire or other outstanding achievements. A total of 165 champions have been elected so far, and the first champions were elected in 1970. The first champion folk singer was appointed in 1979 and the first champion folk dancer was appointed in 2011.<\/p>\n

The titles for Master Folk Musicians have been pondered ever since the first ever festival, when the idea of a folk music competition was brought up. Although in the end granting Master Folk titles was a more proper way to bring up the talented people behind folk music.<\/p>\n

When granting someone the title of a Master Folk Performer, it is a tribute not only for one person, but for everyone in the broad spectrum of folk music - the tradition partakers, enthusiasts, pelimannis, folk dancers and singers.<\/p>\n

Master concerts and the Master parade<\/strong><\/p>\n

During the festival week, you can hear and see these important representatives of the tradition in both the Master concerts and the Master Parade. These atmospheric events will entertain audiences not only with music and dance, but also with stories and information. The tradition lives on and is passed down from generation to generation! The masters also perform with their own bands.<\/p>\n

Naming the Master Folk Performers<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the request of the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival, the Folk Music Institute prepares an annual presentation of the new masters to be appointed. The Folk Music Institute assembles a group of experts to prepare the presentations and also consults a wide range of representatives from the folk music scene, such as the Finnish Folk Music Association. The actual nomination is made by the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival Board.<\/p>\n

Applications for Master Folk Musicians, Dancers and Singers can be sent throughout the year. The applications can be sent to matti.hakamaki@kaustinen.fi or give a call to +358 40 574 1917<\/p>\n

Master Folk Musicians<\/h2>\n

2025<\/h4>\n

Linn\u00e9a Holmberg<\/strong>, violin, Tammisaari<\/p>\n

Liisa Kupiainen<\/strong>, violin, Ilmajoki<\/p>\n

Eero Myllym\u00e4ki<\/strong>, harmonium and accordion, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

Rauno Nieminen<\/strong>, horns, whistles and bugles, Ikaalinen<\/p>\n

2024<\/h4>\n

Unto Kukka<\/strong>, mandolin, Ii<\/p>\n

Liisa Matveinen<\/strong>, folk singing, Ilomantsi<\/p>\n

Jari Paavola<\/strong>, accordion, Kokem\u00e4ki<\/p>\n

Jarmo Varila<\/strong>, violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

2023<\/h4>\n

Aimo Hentinen, <\/strong>folk dance, Hollola<\/p>\n

Anita Kaustinen<\/strong>, harmonium, Halsua<\/p>\n

Juhani Lautamaja<\/strong>, folk singing, Sein\u00e4joki<\/p>\n

Patrik Weckman<\/strong>, violin, Espoo<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

2022<\/h4>\n

Petri Hoppu<\/strong>, folk dance, Tampere<\/p>\n

Tore Johansson<\/strong>, accordion, Parainen<\/p>\n

Raila J\u00e4rvel\u00e4<\/strong>, violin, Veteli<\/p>\n

Matti Peltola<\/strong>, harmonium, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

Reino Uusitalo<\/strong>, violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

2021<\/h4>\n

Anneli Aho<\/strong>, violin, Kuortane<\/p>\n

Pentti Ojaj\u00e4rvi,<\/strong> mandolin, guitar, Kes\u00e4lahti<\/p>\n

Leenamaija Raukola<\/strong>, violin, Kangasala<\/p>\n

Hannu Sepp\u00e4nen<\/strong>, two-row accordion, Helsinki<\/p>\n

2020<\/h4>\n

no Master Folk Performers were named<\/p>\n

2019<\/h4>\n

Toivo Rajala<\/strong>, folk singing, Lappaj\u00e4rvi<\/p>\n

Ritva Talvitie,<\/strong> violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

Aimo Ruisniemi,<\/strong> harmonica, Raisio<\/p>\n

2018<\/h4>\n

Matti Paananen<\/strong>, violin, Viitasaari<\/p>\n

Hannu Rahikainen<\/strong>, two-row accordion, Rovaniemi<\/p>\n

Katja Lampinen<\/strong>, accordion, J\u00e4ms\u00e4nkoski<\/p>\n

2017<\/h4>\n

Teuvo Anttila<\/strong>, double bass, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

Jussi Asu<\/strong>, folk singing, Sein\u00e4joki<\/p>\n

Mauno J\u00e4rvel\u00e4<\/strong>, violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

Veikko Kuivala<\/strong>, wooden spoons, Lieto<\/p>\n

Tony Uusitalo<\/strong>, double bass, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

Eivor Wallinvirta<\/strong>, folk dance, Helsinki<\/p>\n

2016<\/h4>\n

Siv Ekstr\u00f6m<\/strong>, violin, Jomala<\/p>\n

Usko V\u00e4lim\u00e4ki<\/strong>, accordion, Jalasj\u00e4rvi<\/p>\n

Hannu Nipuli<\/strong>, folk dance, Lahti<\/p>\n

2015<\/h4>\n

Jussi Huovinen<\/strong>, violin, Suomussalmi<\/p>\n

Taito Saari<\/strong>, folk singing, Veteli<\/p>\n

Timo Valo<\/strong>, harmonium, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

2014<\/h4>\n

Aimo M\u00e4ssbacka<\/strong>, violin, VImpeli<\/p>\n

Klas Nystr\u00f6m<\/strong>, harmonica, Taalintehdas<\/p>\n

Janne Rauma<\/strong>, violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

2013<\/h4>\n

Eero Lahti<\/strong>, violin, Suolahti<\/p>\n

Pentti Mattsson<\/strong>, violin, Harjavalta<\/p>\n

Antti Hosioja<\/strong>, double bass and accordions, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

2012<\/h4>\n

Kari Dahlblom<\/strong>, kantele, \u00c4\u00e4nekoski<\/p>\n

Jouko Heikola<\/strong>, harmonica, Vihti<\/p>\n

Dan Lillas<\/strong>, harmonica, Mustasaari<\/p>\n

2011<\/h4>\n

Lasse Peltonen<\/strong>, Ilmajoki<\/p>\n

Erkki Hiekkavirta<\/strong>, Jyv\u00e4skyl\u00e4<\/p>\n

Christine Julin-H\u00e4ggman<\/strong>, Jepua<\/p>\n

Antti Savilampi<\/strong>, folk dance, Helsinki<\/p>\n

2010<\/h4>\n

Aila Rauhala<\/strong>, kantele, Veteli<\/p>\n

Asko Hanhikoski<\/strong>, violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

Jonas Borgm\u00e4stars<\/strong>, violin, \u00c4ht\u00e4v\u00e4<\/p>\n

Juha Kuorttinen<\/strong>, kantele, Lappeenranta<\/p>\n

2009<\/h4>\n

Eric Dannberg<\/strong>, violin, Hanko<\/p>\n

Risto Hotakainen<\/strong>, violin, Halsua<\/p>\n

Aimo Mantere<\/strong>, harmonica, Lahti<\/p>\n

2008<\/h4>\n

Karl Erik Berg<\/strong>, violin, Korsholma<\/p>\n

Tapio Kivel\u00e4<\/strong>, double bass, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

2007<\/h4>\n

Teijo Aho<\/strong>, two-row accordion, Kuortane<\/p>\n

Thure Hinds<\/strong>, piano accordion, Tiukka<\/p>\n

Jorma J\u00e4rvel\u00e4<\/strong>, violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

2006<\/h4>\n

Lars Engstrand<\/strong>, violin, V\u00f6yri<\/p>\n

Tapani Peltoniemi<\/strong>, kantele, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

2005<\/h4>\n

Martti Salo<\/strong>, kantele<\/p>\n

Hilja Gr\u00f6nfors<\/strong>, folk song, Helsinki<\/p>\n

2004<\/h4>\n

Matti Alin<\/strong>, harmonica player, Vilppula<\/p>\n

Arvo Viitaniemi<\/strong>, violin, Pori<\/p>\n

2003<\/h4>\n

Ingmar Furu<\/strong>, violin, \u00c4ht\u00e4v\u00e4<\/p>\n

Kalevi Kantola<\/strong>, mandolin, Eura<\/p>\n

Esko Pirttilampi<\/strong>, sawmill, Pietarsaari<\/p>\n

2002<\/h4>\n

Teppo Aho<\/strong>, 2-row goose, V\u00e4h\u00e4kyr\u00f6<\/p>\n

Kimmo Anttila<\/strong>, violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

Pentti Kivinen<\/strong>, folk song, Puumala<\/p>\n

2001<\/h4>\n

G\u00f6sta Bergstr\u00f6m<\/strong>, violin, V\u00f6yri<\/p>\n

Kalevi Kainulainen<\/strong>, accordion, Lapinlahti<\/p>\n

Markku Tunkkari<\/strong>, violin, accordion, Kokkola<\/p>\n

2000<\/h4>\n

Voitto Isosaari<\/strong>, kantele, Veteli<\/p>\n

Aulis Kivinen<\/strong>, kantele, Alah\u00e4rm\u00e4<\/p>\n

Harry Wessman<\/strong>, harmonica, Rauma<\/p>\n

1999<\/h4>\n

Klaudia Vonkkanen,<\/strong>\u00a0folk song, Varkaus<\/p>\n

Eero Hautsalo<\/strong>, harmony, Viitasaar<\/p>\n

Allan Pajukangas<\/strong>, violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

1998<\/h4>\n

Airi Hautam\u00e4ki<\/strong>, 2-row goose, Alavus<\/p>\n

Ricke Mette<\/strong>, violin, Helsinki<\/p>\n

Vilho Suonvieri<\/strong>, violin, Haparanda<\/p>\n

1997<\/h4>\n

Kari Peltoniemi<\/strong>, violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

Jussi Haanp\u00e4\u00e4<\/strong>, guitars, Oulu<\/p>\n

Mikko Rantam\u00e4ki<\/strong>, harmonica, Kristiinankaupunki<\/p>\n

1996<\/h4>\n

Teppo Ala-Juntti,<\/strong> 2-row goose, Keminmaa<\/p>\n

Eino Ketola<\/strong>, clarinet, Kauhajoki<\/p>\n

Bengt Lillhannus<\/strong>, violin, Helsingby<\/p>\n

1995<\/h4>\n

Wimme Saari<\/strong>, folk song, Enonteki\u00f6<\/p>\n

Paavo Kattelus<\/strong>, folk song, Lapua<\/p>\n

Aarne Pekkala<\/strong>, folk song, G\u00f6teborg<\/p>\n

1994<\/h4>\n

Henry J. M\u00e4ki<\/strong>, accordions, harmonica, Laihia<\/p>\n

Raimo Uusitalo<\/strong>, violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

Erkki Veps\u00e4l\u00e4inen<\/strong>, violin, Varkaus<\/p>\n

1993<\/h4>\n

Aarne J\u00e4rvel\u00e4<\/strong>, violin, Parola<\/p>\n

Teppo V\u00e4lim\u00e4ki<\/strong>, 1-, 2- and 5-row accordion, Jalasj\u00e4rvi<\/p>\n

1992<\/h4>\n

Oiva J\u00e4rvinen<\/strong>, violin, Rauma<\/p>\n

Toimi Uusitalo<\/strong>, harmonium, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

Erkki Vihinen<\/strong>, harmonica, Jyv\u00e4skyl\u00e4<\/p>\n

1991<\/h4>\n

Heikki Lahti<\/strong>, mandolin, J\u00e4ms\u00e4nkoski<\/p>\n

Aukusti Viitaniemi<\/strong>, harmony, Vimpeli<\/p>\n

1990<\/h4>\n

Risto Ala-Ikkel\u00e4<\/strong>, accordion, Kauhajoki<\/p>\n

Erkki Lassila<\/strong>, kantele, K\u00e4lvi\u00e4<\/p>\n

1989<\/h4>\n

Elis Andersson<\/strong>, violin, Jepua<\/p>\n

Erkki Rankaviita<\/strong>, folk song, Karijoki<\/p>\n

Vieno Timonen<\/strong>, folk song, Kauhava<\/p>\n

Erkki Valkama<\/strong>, harmonica, Alavus<\/p>\n

Reino Valkama<\/strong>, harmonica, Alavus<\/p>\n

1988<\/h4>\n

Eino H\u00e4nninen<\/strong>, clarinet, Oulu<\/p>\n

Antti K\u00e4m\u00e4r\u00e4inen<\/strong>, accordions, harmonica, Kiuruvesi<\/p>\n

Mauri Salo<\/strong>, accordion, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

1987<\/h4>\n

Taito Karhulahti<\/strong>, kantele, Halsua<\/p>\n

Eeli Tuomi<\/strong>, accordions, violin, Kurikka<\/p>\n

Vesa Valo<\/strong>, violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

1986<\/h4>\n

Johannes Pasanen<\/strong>, Hanurit, Kannonkoski<\/p>\n

Leo Siirtola<\/strong>, violin, Kittil\u00e4<\/p>\n

Boris Wiklund<\/strong>, violin, \u00d6vermark<\/p>\n

1985<\/h4>\n

Toivo Alasp\u00e4\u00e4<\/strong>, kantele, Vantaa<\/p>\n

Lauri Kahilainen<\/strong>, kantele, Jyv\u00e4skyl\u00e4 municipality<\/p>\n

Hannu Rauma<\/strong>, violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

1984<\/h4>\n

Sipri Saari<\/strong>, violin, accordion, Karvia<\/p>\n

Torsti Saari<\/strong>, violin, Karvia<\/p>\n

Sven-Runar Wiik<\/strong>, violin, Sipoo<\/p>\n

1983<\/h4>\n

Arvi Pokela<\/strong>, kantele, Saarij\u00e4rvi<\/p>\n

Otto Silander<\/strong>, violin, Kumlinge<\/p>\n

1982<\/h4>\n

Viljo Jalonen<\/strong>, violin, Rauma<\/p>\n

Sulo Masalin<\/strong>, violin, Viitasaari<\/p>\n

1981<\/h4>\n

Sulo Alasp\u00e4\u00e4<\/strong>, kantele, Veteli<\/p>\n

Lauri Ker\u00e4nen<\/strong>, violin, Hyrynsalmi<\/p>\n

Martti Koivum\u00e4ki<\/strong>, accordions, harmonica, Jalasj\u00e4rvi<\/p>\n

Irja Kuoppala<\/strong>, folk song, Alah\u00e4rm\u00e4<\/p>\n

1980<\/h4>\n

Kaisu F\u00f6rsti<\/strong>, harmony, Evij\u00e4rvi<\/p>\n

Erkki Mets\u00e4pelto<\/strong>, violin, Vimpeli<\/p>\n

1979<\/h4>\n

Matti Hintikka<\/strong>, violin, Sumiainen<\/p>\n

Eeli Kivinen<\/strong>, folk song, Vimpeli<\/p>\n

Tyyne Pahkam\u00e4ki<\/strong>, folk song, J\u00e4ms\u00e4<\/p>\n

Aldevin Peltoniemi<\/strong>, violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

Kalle V. Rintanen<\/strong>, folk song, Ylih\u00e4rm\u00e4<\/p>\n

1978<\/h4>\n

Valter Enlund<\/strong>, violin, Lapv\u00e4\u00e4rtti<\/p>\n

Torsten P\u00e4rus<\/strong>, violin, Lapv\u00e4\u00e4rtti<\/p>\n

Veikko Turja<\/strong>, 2-line accordion, violin, harmonium, Kauhajoki<\/p>\n

1977<\/h4>\n

Tauno Aho<\/strong>, 2-row goose, Kuortane<\/p>\n

1976<\/h4>\n

Tauno Krossi<\/strong>, 2-row goose, Laihia<\/p>\n

Edith Tuomi<\/strong>, violin, Pori<\/p>\n

1975<\/h4>\n

V\u00e4ino Savikoski<\/strong>, kantele, Hapavesi<\/p>\n

1974<\/h4>\n

Erik Jansson<\/strong>, violin, Korppoo<\/p>\n

Uuno Latvala<\/strong>, violin, Kalvola<\/p>\n

Arvo Myllykangas<\/strong>, harmonium, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

1973<\/h4>\n

Aapeli Hautanen<\/strong>, 1- and 2-row goose, Jalasj\u00e4rvi<\/p>\n

Fredrik Koivikko<\/strong>, 2-row accordion, Vilppula<\/p>\n

1972<\/h4>\n

Johannes J\u00e4rvel\u00e4<\/strong>, violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

Arvo Lindfors<\/strong>, violin, Pori<\/p>\n

Toivo Saari<\/strong>, violin, Veteli<\/p>\n

Toivo Venetjoki<\/strong>, kantele, Halsua<\/p>\n

1971<\/h4>\n

Viktor Andersson<\/strong>, violin, Jepua<\/p>\n

Viljo Karvonen<\/strong>, kantele, Halsua<\/p>\n

Erik Johan Lindvall<\/strong>, violin, Squirrel<\/p>\n

Urho Myllym\u00e4ki<\/strong>, 1- and 2-row gooseneck, Kauhajoki<\/p>\n

Antti Vesterinen<\/strong>, violin, Jyv\u00e4skyl\u00e4<\/p>\n

1970<\/h4>\n

Otto Hotakainen<\/strong>, violin, Halsua<\/p>\n

Konsta Jylh\u00e4<\/strong>, violin, Kaustinen<\/p>\n

Kustaa J\u00e4rvinen<\/strong>, violin, Eura<\/p>\n

Tuure Niskanen<\/strong>, violin, Pielavesi<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-40991","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kaustinen.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40991","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kaustinen.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kaustinen.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kaustinen.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kaustinen.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40991"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kaustinen.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40991\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47286,"href":"https:\/\/kaustinen.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40991\/revisions\/47286"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kaustinen.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40991"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}