Finland’s largest early music festival, Sastamala Gregoriana, brings together lovers of early music from 16–20 July for its 29th edition. This year, the festival concludes its six-year thematic series Cities upon the Waters with a grand celebration of London and English music. Titled London – Water Music, the programme features 17 concerts and side events showcasing masterpieces by composers such as John Dowland, George Frideric Handel, Nicholas Ludford, Henry Purcell, William Byrd, and Thomas Tallis.
The festival will host both internationally renowned artists and Finland’s leading early music performers. International guests include the British vocal ensemble Siglo de Oro led by Patrick Allies, Canadian soprano Elisabeth Hetherington, the Dutch ensemble Postscript with harpsichordist Artem Belogurov, American tenor David Munderloh, and German lutenist Julian Behr.
Among the Finnish artists are Tuuli Lindeberg, Elina Mustonen, Sanna Kola, Tuomas Kourula, Miihkali Kerkkänen, Teppo Lampela, and Jussi Lehtipuu. Also featured are Utopia Chamber Choir and Pirkanmaan Barokki.
This year’s edition holds special significance, as the festival’s long-time artistic director Michael Fields steps down after nearly 20 years of service. His remarkable contribution to the festival will be celebrated in several events throughout the week. On the opening day, Wednesday, 16 July, the public will also be introduced to the new artistic director, who will begin their three-year term in 2026.
Themes for 2026–2028 Announced
In addition to this summer’s programme, Sastamala Gregoriana has already revealed the themes for the coming years. The new artistic director will bring fresh perspectives along with a strongly thematic approach to the festival’s programming for 2026–2028. The upcoming themes will delve deep into human experience and historical phenomena through early music.
2026: Tears and Joy – Affects in Music
The anniversary year explores the emotional impact of music – longing, ecstasy, and deep emotion. Through the doctrine of affections, emotional associations of musical keys, and theories of humours, the theme reveals how composers and performers have expressed the emotional spectrum of human life for centuries. The year also marks the 400th anniversary of the death of composer John Dowland.
2027: Crown and Glory – Music for Monarchs
In 2027, the focus shifts to how power, ceremony, and court culture have shaped music. The programme spans from Renaissance courts to the opulence of the Baroque, highlighting monarchs as patrons and muses of music. The year also commemorates the 300th anniversary of Handel’s Coronation Anthems.
2028: Virtuosi – The Art of Brilliance
Virtuosity is interpreted in its broadest sense. It’s not just about technical brilliance but also compositional ingenuity, interpretive depth, and artistic vision. The theme celebrates the 350th anniversary of the birth of Antonio Vivaldi – one of music history’s most iconic virtuosos.
Music All Year Round – New Audience Engagement from 2026 Onward
Alongside the newly announced themes, Sastamala Gregoriana is expanding into a year-round presence. A new audience outreach model will bring early music closer to people of all ages and backgrounds. The model is grounded in community, accessibility, and enhancing the wellbeing effects of music as a vital part of local cultural life.
The activities will extend beyond Sastamala to neighboring municipalities, creating a clear annual cycle where music accompanies both everyday life and celebrations. Early music will be brought into schools, daycare centres, educational institutions, music schools, care homes, service units, and other community settings. The goal is to open the world of early music to new audiences, support mental wellbeing, and offer enriching experiences to people who may not be able to attend the festival in person.
Learn more about the summer 2025 programme and upcoming themes on the festival’s website: https://www.sastamalagregoriana.fi/
Photo: Venite Gentes at Sastamala Gregorina 2024. Photographer: Markku Uusitalo.
