Discover the program for next summer and secure your tickets today!
Join us for an extraordinary week of chamber music from July 7–13, 2025. See you at the festival!
KIMITOÖN 700 YEARS – A CELEBRATION OF GREAT MUSIC
In 2025, Kimito Island will celebrate its 700th anniversary, and the Kimito Island Music Festival will contribute to the jubilee year with a unique touch, offering fantastic concerts in the warmth of July. The program, planned by artistic directors Katinka Korkeala and Sonja Korkeala, includes 13 concerts in various locations across Kimito Island and its surrounding areas from July 7 to 13, 2025. The festival will feature a diverse repertoire of chamber music from different eras. The closing concert will take the audience on a journey through the masterpieces of the French Baroque, performed by the Finnish Baroque Orchestra, with baritone Aarne Pelkonen as the soloist. Additionally, the world premiere of a work commissioned from Lara Poe by the Music Festival will be presented.
Among the festival’s new artists is the award-winning harpist, composer, and visual artist Laura Hynninen, recipient of the 2025 Indie Awards. Her unique artistic expression combines music and visual elements. Pianist Mckenzie Melemed, who won the Maj Lind Piano Competition in 2017, has since built a successful career both in Finland and internationally. Another new artist is cellist Wen-Sinn Yang, renowned for his exceptional expression and broad repertoire. He has recorded over 30 albums, featuring both classical cello music and lesser-known works.
Returning artists from previous years, in addition to artistic directors Katinka and Sonja Korkeala, include violists Roland Glassl and Hariolf Schlichtig, cellist Riitta Pesola, and Jyväskylä Sinfonia’s wind quintet. The program will also feature presentations and interviews by music journalist Tuulikki Närhinsalo.
The festival week will traditionally begin with two concerts at Sandö Manor. On Tuesday evening, the opening concert at Kimito Church will feature all festival artists on stage. The week’s program largely follows a familiar structure: a lunchtime concert at Labbnäs and a variety of chamber music performances across Kimitoön, as well as in Karuna and Salo. The traditional torchbearers in folk costumes will contribute to the festive atmosphere and uphold the festival’s traditions, this time at Dragsfjärd Church due to the renovation of the old church in Västanfjärd. This year, the festival also expands to Angelniemi Church, located at the northern tip of Kimito Island in a beautiful seaside setting.
The week will culminate in La Grande Finale, where the Finnish Baroque Orchestra will perform French Baroque music and the world premiere of Lara Poe’s work. Baritone Aarne Pelkonen, one of Finland’s most sought-after baritones, whose artistry has captivated audiences at the Finnish National Opera and on international concert stages, will perform as the soloist. The final concert will also celebrate Kimito Island’s 700th anniversary.
Tickets are now available through Lippupiste’s sales channels. Advance reservations without a service fee can also be made directly through the Music Festival until June 7, 2025.