The JOY! concert brings together Karelian cultural heritage, the joy of music and the power of storytelling in a unique way.

ILON PITOA offers Karelian and Kaasian joy, stories, singing and music. The concert features the delicate yet powerful sounds of the kantele, as well as the occasional notes of the double-row accordion. The programme consists of beloved Karelian melodies, original compositions rooted in tradition, and Kalevala-inspired runo singing, which opens a window onto the oldest layers of Finnish culture.

In addition to the music, Sari guides the audience through the backgrounds of the songs, melodies and Karelian traditions. The concert features fascinating stories about the origins of the songs, the significance of folk tradition, and how centuries-old melodies and poems have been passed down from one generation to the next. These stories bring the music closer to the listener and deepen the experience in a unique way.

This lively, warm-hearted and engaging concert immerses the audience in Karelian atmosphere, a sense of community and the joy of music. The audience is welcome to join in the singing and share in the Karelian joy.