An up-close and personal encounter with two of our most beloved Finnish-Australian violinists. Satu and Erkki together present a series of works that reflect on their personal creative and cultural identities. 

VIULUT: Vänskä and Veltheim

Embassy of Finland

Principal Violin of the Australian Chamber Orchestra Satu Vänskä and modern piano maestro Konstantin Shamray unite for an exploration of the enchanting musical landscapes of Soviet Russia.  

Echoes of the Iron Curtain

High Court of Australia

Anchored by the beloved hymn Finlandia and featuring a debut collaboration with an ensemble of powerhouse, Australian-based Finnish musicians, this program promises to captivate audiences with its scale and artistic depth. Featuring over 200 voices from local choirs and community singers, it celebrates Finnish-Australian relations in a unique, participatory event. Audiences can enjoy the world premiere of music sung in the ancient language of Gathang, composed by Nicole Smede or revel in the return of beloved artists from the current and previous festivals. With a strong presence of female voices including CIMF composer-in-residence Olivia Davies and the legendary Kaija Saariaho, this program spotlights Australian composers alongside Finland’s finest, culminating in an inspiring and heartfelt festival finale. 

Satu Vänskä

Events

Upcoming events

May 2, 2025

VIULUT: Vänskä and Veltheim · Canberra International Music Festival

May 2, 2025

Echoes of the Iron Curtain · Canberra International Music Festival

May 4, 2025

Finlandia – Festival Finale · Canberra International Music Festival

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