From 22–29 July 2026, the festival invites you to a week of musical encounters under the theme Across the Atlantic. This year’s edition draws inspiration from North and South America, bringing it into dialogue with the European classical music tradition.
The theme is reflected in both the repertoire and the featured artists. This year’s composer-in-residence is the Korean-American composer Nicky Sohn, an internationally acclaimed voice in contemporary classical music. Her expressive and energetic works form a red thread throughout the festival.
The festival opens on 23 July with the concert From the New World. Vaasa City Orchestra, conducted by Johannes Gustavsson, with soloists Jan-Erik Gustafsson and Anna-Liisa Bezrodny, will perform a world premiere alongside Dvořák’s beloved Ninth Symphony. The final concert, Romeo & Juliet, on 29 July features the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Kasmir Uusitupa. The programme includes works by Prokofiev, Vaughan Williams and Barber, as well as Nicky Sohn’s lyrical piano concerto If You Love for Beauty.
From Baroque to Soul, from Churches to Club Stages
This year’s programme offers a rich musical diversity, including:
- Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons in the Fest Concert with violin virtuoso Alissa Margulis
- String quartets by Samuel Barber, Dvořák and Stenhammar
- A meditative Late Night Bach in Vaasa Orthodox Church
- Tango and opera classics in Carmen y María de Buenos Aires
- Folk music, klezmer and ragtime in the relaxed club concert Roots
- A soul evening with returning hometown artist Michael Bleu and Laitakaupungin orkesteri
- A unique collaboration between Vasas flora och fauna and Artemis Wind Quintet
In addition, the festival presents the family performance A Day at the Circus!, masterclass concerts featuring tomorrow’s stars, and performances in distinctive venues such as the Car and Motor Museum and the staircase of Vaasa City Hall.
The festival is EcoCompass-certified for the fourth consecutive year and is committed to sustainable practices. Free buses depart from Vaasa City Hall to several concerts, some including bilingual guided tours. Free childcare is also available during selected concerts.
