Village Anthems

Village Anthems is more than a music project – it is a living, breathing creative space rooted in tradition, where the past and the future come together. By taking part in concerts, events, and workshops, you become part of building community and celebrating local northern heritage.

Village Anthems is a project that blends traditional music, bold improvisation, and unique collaborations across cultures. It unites local musicians and fiddlers with international guests to revitalise and innovate the valuable fiddle tradition of Oulu region while creating new dimensions in folk music by merging traditional instruments with modern technology. The project also fosters international collaboration and cultural dialogue.

This is a communal journey where traditional melodies meet new ideas, creating fresh forms of expression.

Our cultural climate change pulses with the energy of cultures and new connections!

Village Anthems consists of four sub-projects: If I could sing like bird, The Sounding Treasure of the North, Eternal time and Digital Village Anthems.

Get to know

Residencies
Local and international musicians and artists meet, share skills, and create new music.
Workshops
Participatory sessions that explore the world of music, dance, and traditions together.
Concerts and events in Oulu and the Oulu26 area
Memorable experiences where regional traditions intertwine, enhanced by both heritage and modern technology.
Also
Experience a taste of Oulu’s 18th-century tar merchants’ and peasants’ music, reimagined for today and join a village-wide dance celebration!

Experience

Spring 2026 (january-april) Summer 2026 (may-sebtember) Autumn 2026 (sebtember-december)

Oulu, Liminka, Muhos, Siikalatva, Haapavesi ja Kuhmo

Executors

Kansanmusiikkiyhdistys Rällä ry.
Oulun musiikkijuhlat
Höyhtyän kulttuuriyhdistys ry.
Orivesi All Stars
Oulun kaupunki
Pohjois-Pohjanmaan Kansanmusiikkiyhdistys ry.
The Irish Festival of Oulu
Madetojan musiikkilukio
Oulun Ammattikorkeakoulu
Oulun Suomalaisen Yhteiskoulun lukio