Location: First Lutheran Church (1100 E Superior St, Duluth, MN)

The Finnish International Choir returns to FinnFest!

Experience the power of Finnish music as we perform beloved Finnish and Finnish-American songs. This special concert will feature personal reflections from choir members on the songs that connect us to our roots, our stories, and our hearts. It’s a memorable evening that blends music and storytelling into a celebration of Finnish culture.

ABOUT THE CHOIR: The Finnish International Choir is a vibrant, global ensemble that unites voices from all corners of the world. Founded in 2021 by Maria Männistö and Eva-Christina Pietarinen, the choir brings together expatriate Finns, their descendants, and anyone with a passion for Finnish culture and music. For many, singing in Finnish is a way to preserve their language and identity, while others discover new vocabulary or gain deeper insight into Finnish culture through song. With over 250 members from 15 different countries, the Finnish International Choir is more than just a choir—it’s a community. Through virtual rehearsals, the choir connects singers worldwide, offering a space to learn, create, and share as a unique global music family. In recognition of their cultural contributions, the choir was honored with the Expatriate of the Year award in 2023 by Suomi-Seura.
The choir has performed both virtually and in person, with its first project being a virtual performance at the opening of the plenary session of the Finnish Expatriate Parliament in 2021. In 2022, the choir released its debut CD, Yli Rajojen – Beyond Borders, a project that reflects the choir’s diverse global membership. The album features a mix of traditional Finnish choral works alongside songs composed, arranged, and performed by expatriates, drawing from Meänkieli, Kven, Sámi, and Ingrian Finnish traditions. This blend of languages and cultures is at the heart of the choir’s mission and performance style.
The choir’s first in-person performances came in 2024 with the Yli Rajojen – Beyond Borders tour in Finland, which included performances at iconic venues like the Rock Church in Helsinki, as well as in Turku, Tampere, Lahti, and Hämeenlinna. Now, the Finnish International Choir is excited to continue its live performances at FinnFest 2025, where we invite audiences to join us in celebrating the joy of Finnish music and honoring the rich cultural heritage that unites Finnish Americans and their global roots.