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Loituma

March 2007 -- the song Ieva's Polka -- a hit in Finland on its original release -- has spawned viral remixes and videos on sites such as YouTube. 

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Loituma is a young quartet who combine the Finnish vocal tradition with the exquisite sounds of the kantele (Finnish harp). At ease with four-part unaccompanied vocals as well as four-part kantele instrumentals, Loituma were selected Band of the Year at the 1997 Kaustinen Folkmusic Festival.

Loituma’s initial incarnation was in the fall of 1989 as a septet called Jäykkä Leipä (‘Stiff Bread’), born in the hallowed halls of the Sibelius Academy Folk Music Department. The original lineup included singers Sanna Kurki-Suonio and Tellu Paulasto, who later left for Sweden to join Hedningarna. Anita Lehtola has also been a member of Hedningarna, as well.

Over the years, the group has persistently followed its own musical path, skillfully applying different musical influences to its music. The songs convey the Finnish heritage, while the Kantele rings in a splendid and varied way.

Loituma are:

• Sari Kauranen -- kanteles, singing
• Anita Lehtola -- singing, 5-string kantele
• Timo Väänänen -- kanteles, singing
• Hanni-Mari Turunen -- singing, fiddle, 5-string kantele, alto recorder, double bass, Lapin drum