IF I COULD SING LIKE A BIRD

If I Could Sing Like a Bird

Village Anthems – If I Could Sing Like a Bird is part of the OULU2026 European Capital of Culture programme. This folk music project amplifies the voice and heart of Kven and Meänkieli culture, focusing on the Tornio River Valley in northern Finland and the Kven cultural landscapes of northern Norway. These regions carry minority languages and traditions with a rare and valuable musical heritage.

At its core, the project uncovers folk songs and melodies that have travelled from Finland to the Tornio Valley and Ruija, evolving and reshaping over time.
If I Could Sing Like a Bird is more than a concert – it is a cultural act. Alongside music, it features participatory discussions highlighting the distinct cultural identity of the OULU2026 region and the role of minority languages. Music becomes a bridge between past and present, strengthening the vitality of Kven and Meänkieli culture.
The programme is performed by a unique ensemble created for the project: the Oulu-based folk group Rällä, the intimate and experimental Aaret Duo, and Meänkieli singer and storyteller Nikolai Äystö. Together they create a multi-layered soundscape that brings northern melodies and new interpretations to life.

If I could sing like a bird artists

October 11, 2025

Aaret duo

Aaret is a Norwegian-Finnish duo specializing in the music of the Kven minority in Northern Norway. Their repertoire includes both traditional Kven music and new songs and melodies featuring the Kven language and themes.

October 11, 2025

Folk music ensemble Rällä

In the music of the folk ensemble Rällä tradition meets bold innovation and modern improvisation. In the group’s energetic performances northern melancholy and the joy of playing blend into a distinctive soundscape.