The Board of Finland Festivals has selected Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival as the Festival of the Year 2026. According to the Board:
Chamber music in a town where silence and nature give space for art! For more than fifty years, Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival has been among the world’s most respected chamber music events. Its strong traditions, uncompromising quality, and deep connection with the local community have made it truly unique. The festival’s new artistic directors have brought with them creative courage, fresh perspectives, and vibrant energy – renewing the event with ambition while cherishing its rich tradition and original spirit.
Kuhmo Chamber Music was born in 1970 from the idea of bringing the world’s most beautiful music into the peace of nature. The idea has endured: Kuhmo has grown into a leading festival in its field, attracting the world’s foremost chamber musicians, while its music courses continue to nurture new generations of chamber players year after year. Over the course of more than 55 years, Kuhmo Chamber Music has also transformed the town itself into a true city of culture.
In 2026, Kuhmo Chamber Music will celebrate its 56th edition from 12 to 25 July under the theme “Celebrations & Ceremonies”. Throughout the fortnight, the festival will mark the year’s festivities – from Easter to May Day, Midsummer, and Christmas – as well as birthdays and anniversaries of composers and artists. A key part of the celebrations will be the European Capital of Culture year of Oulu and its 39 neighbouring municipalities. Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival will play an integral role in this shared year, contributing to the theme In the Spotlight of Europe with three world premieres.
The festival’s programme will be extensive: over 14 days, it will feature around 60 ticketed concerts and 25 free events. More than 100 international artists will perform, and over 200 staff members will be involved in the organisation.
Finland Festivals has named a Festival of the Year regularly since 1999, with the exception of the pandemic years. The five most recent recipients are:
- 2025 Turku Jazz Festival
- 2024 Kaustinen Folk Music Festival
- 2023 Mikkeli Music Festival
- 2020 Tampere Film Festival
- 2019 KUULAS – Children’s Theatre Festival
Further information:
Kai Amberla, Executive Director, Finland Festivals. Tel. +358 40 5515 752 | kai.amberla(at)festivals.fi
Sari Rusanen, Executive Director, Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival, Tel. +358 44 544 5162 | sari.rusanen(at)kuhmofestival.fi
Finland Festivals Association (www.festivals.fi) brings together the finest festival experiences in Finland, providing music for all tastes, together with the most fascinating dance, theatre, literature, visual art, film and children’s cultural events. Finland Festivals is a non-profit organisation that serves the culture and tourism sector, focusing on representing the collective interests of festivals, marketing and public relations, information gathering, research and training.