Aino Ruotanen
Aino Ruotanen
Lohja, Uusimaa
I am a kantele player, singer and composer. My music is influenced by Nordic and Finno-Ugric folk music, which I have used as a foundation to create my own new kantele music with an open mind. This has taken me all over the world; over the years, I have performed and toured in countries including Korea, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Russia, Senegal and Ghana.
I perform as a solo artist and with various ensembles, such as Aino & Miihkali, Kamala Kamele and the Väki collective. I also work as an educator and enjoy running workshops on topics such as ensemble playing, the kantele or vocal techniques.
I am also interested in local culture and collaborative work, which is why I have been organising the Fagerkulla Folk festival in Western Uusimaa since 2025.
Customer references
Aino Ruotanen - Solo
A kantele and vocal performance combining modern and versatile kantele playing, enhanced with live electronics, with traditional rhythms, songs and stories.
“...In Aino Ruotanen’s hands, our national instrument lives and breathes a modern, free spirit.”
-Desibeli.net
Kamala Kamele
A solo project that weaves together the sombre ballads of Finnish folklore with the unique sound of the West African kamele n’goni. The result is a restrained yet intense whole, in which grim tales come to life, at times even in an amusing way.
Aino & Miihkali
A kantele and guitar & banjo duo that is greater than the sum of its parts. The duo’s fusion folk seamlessly blends many genres, drawing listeners into an imaginative and colourful world.
Find out more about Aino & Miihkali on their website:
https://ainomiihkali.com/
“A major feature of the duo’s music was the rhythmic textures Ruotanen skilfully wove with his kantele and loop pedal, bringing an entire percussive orchestra to the stage. Rhythmic precision and versatility, the kantele’s diverse tonal colours and their skilful utilisation, as well as inventive arrangements, form the foundation of the duo’s music, which is imaginative, accessible and inspiring to listen to.” - Kantele.net
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