\t\t\t\tThe semi-finalists of the Konsta Jylh\u00e4 competition have been selected from 56 shortlisted competitors. This year's theme is folk singing, which is a topical subject that is reflected in the large number of participants and the high quality of the entries.<\/p>\n
In the traditional category, the semi-finalists were Jukka Hynninen from Tampere, Leija Lautamaja from Helsinki, Tapio Miettinen from Kokkola, Onni Rajaniemi from Helsinki, Tomas Takolander from Helsinki and Mirva Tarvainen from Helsinki. In the free series, Heta Kaisto from Helsinki, Kari Kuosmanen, Matti Laitinen from Lahti, Rosa Latva from Kokkola, Tiina Louneva from Helsinki, Tero Pajunen from Helsinki, Jutta Rahmel from Helsinki and Katri Somerjoki from Helsinki. In the traditional category, the competitors will compete solo, in the free category either solo or with a maximum of two accompanists.<\/p>\n
- The initial qualifying round of the competition was of a very high standard and varied. Songwriting music is probably more popular now than ever, and it is made from an admirable variety of starting points: from the spirit of the 60s to the modernised style of the 2000s,\" says Hannu Saha, chairman of the jury.<\/p>\n
The Konsta Jylh\u00e4 competition will take place at Pelimannitalo on 6-7 July in connection with the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival: the semi-final on Monday 6 July at 19.00-22.00 and the final on Tuesday 7 July at 16.00-19.00. The jury of the competition consists of the chairman Hannu Saha, Heikki Laitinen and Laura Sippola. The competition is organised by Pelimannitalo in cooperation with the Institute of Folk Music and will award a total of \u20ac10 000 in prizes.<\/p>\n