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Easter Greetings!
As we celebrate the season of renewal, I am reminded of one of Finlandia Foundation's core values: Arts, Culture & Society. And specifically, I have been musing on how musical Finlandia Foundation's activities have been. Music has always been a powerful force for connection and joy, from our early days with Sibelius to the exciting, cross-genre world of Finnish-American music today.
Today, we are proudly sponsoring Veriteras, a Finnish-inspired death metal band, as well as presenting our classical Performer of the Year Charlotte Loukola, to chapters across the country. We are celebrating the inclusive spirit of the Finnish International Choir who welcome all to sing along. This diversity of musical expression speaks to the richness of our cultural heritage, and dances in the beautiful space between memory and creation.
This Easter, we reflect on how music unites us, crosses borders, and brings people together in harmony. It is a renewal of the spirit, like springtime flowers in bloom. Looking forward, we remain committed to supporting the arts, supporting talented musicians, and celebrating the creative spirit that binds us, and brings us home. Wishing you a joyful and harmonious Easter!
— Thomas Flanagan, Executive Director
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Young Nordic Professionals in the Chicago area: Let’s Connect!
Join our Young Leaders Board for a networking brunch on Sunday, April 27 in Chicago. Enjoy a pancake buffet and great company in a relaxed setting—perfect for building your Nordic network! Open to ages 21–40.
When: Sunday, April 27th, 11am-1pm CDT
Where: Bar Siena (832 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607)
Register now or pass it along: https://form.jotform.com/250915182709056
| | A Springtime Gift from Finnish American Reporter! | | |
Curious about Finnish Easter traditions? Enjoy this free article on Finnish Easter traditions—featuring pussy willows, playfulness, and deep cultural roots.
👉 Read the full article now—and if you love it, consider subscribing for more stories that celebrate Finnish-American life!
| | | The Finnish American Reporter—now proudly owned and operated by Finlandia Foundation National—has been the voice of Finns in North America since 1986. | | Treasures from the Archive: Jane Addams autograph found! | | |
Ever wonder how close you really are to history?
From family ties in the U.P. to a surprise signature from Nobel Peace Prize winner Jane Addams, our latest blog post by archivist Joanna Chopp uncovers the unexpected threads that connect Finnish Americans across generations — and to the broader sweep of American history. Discover how a small-town sexton, a Chicago bookshop, and a world-renowned reformer are all linked through the Finnish American archive.
👉 Read the full story now!
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From December 5, 2025, to April 5, 2026, The Metropolitan Museum of Art will present Seeing Silence: The Paintings of Helene Schjerfbeck, the first major U.S. exhibition of the celebrated Finnish painter. Held in Gallery 964 at The Met Fifth Avenue, this landmark show will feature nearly 60 works tracing Schjerfbeck’s extraordinary journey—from her early realist works in Helsinki to her hauntingly modern self-portraits created in isolation later in life.
Known across the Nordic countries as one of the most remarkable artists of her time, Schjerfbeck remained largely unknown in the U.S. until now. This exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Finnish National Gallery / Ateneum Art Museum and made possible by Elsa A. Brule, offers American audiences a rare opportunity to witness the quiet force of an artist who overcame personal and political upheaval to forge a singular voice in modern art.
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On April 12, Finnish conductor Dalia Stasevska brought the spirit of Jean Sibelius to life at the New World Center, leading the New World Symphony in a powerful recreation of his iconic 1911 Helsinki concert. Hailed as a Breakout Star of 2023 by The New York Times, Stasevska guided the audience through mystical tone poems like Night Ride and Sunrise and The Dryad, culminating in the soul-stirring beauty of Sibelius’ Fourth Symphony. The evening was a moving celebration of Finnish artistry and cultural pride.
Special thanks to the Finlandia Foundation Florida Chapter for their support!
| | | Interested in practicing your Finnish speaking and listening skills in a low-stakes, casual environment? | | Join us for Suomikahvit: Virtual Finnish Coffee Hour starting May 1! Spearheaded by our Executive Assistant Mia Filardi, this new online gathering is a friendly, casual, and low-stakes space for Finnish speakers of all levels to connect and practice their language skills. Grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation on Zoom—no pressure, just community and good vibes. | | We're cooking up some summer fun! Join us! | | |
Headed to FinnFest? Extend Your Adventure to Hancock!
If you're joining us at FinnFest in Duluth (July 31–August 1), keep the celebration going with Finnish-American events at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan (August 4–6).
Just a scenic 4-hour drive along Lake Superior connects one of the biggest Finnish cultural festivals with one of the most Finnish cities in the U.S.!
Our team will be ready to welcome you in Hancock and share its rich Finnish-American magic. Stay tuned for more details.
Finlandia Foundation is proud to be a Partner-Sponsor of FinnFest 2025!
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Finnish American Folk School: Upcoming classes
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COMING SOON to the Finlandia Art Gallery: Eeva Honkanen
April 24 – June 4, 2025 | Opening Reception: Thursday, April 24, 7-8:30 pm | Artist Talk at 7:20 pm
Eeva Honkanen’s large-scale ink drawings depict a fantastical, ever-changing world teeming with life—where insects, butterflies, and tiny human-like creatures coexist without hierarchy. Through free association and exaggerated forms, her surreal landscapes challenge the modern world while exploring the unity of life, the passage of time, and the essence of human nature. Beneath the seeming chaos lies a sharp critique, softened by a touch of humor, as Honkanen reimagines the relationship between humans, animals, and the environment.
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Finlandia Foundation is proud to sponsor heavy metal band Veriteras
Heavy metal is one of Finland’s biggest cultural exports, and its passionate fanbase spans the globe—including right here in the U.S. Finlandia Foundation National is proud to sponsor Veriteras, a Seattle-based melodic death metal band with deep Finnish roots, as they embark on their West Coast tour.
This partnership is part of our Heavy Metal Membership Drive, an initiative to connect with a broader, multi-generational audience through a shared love of Finnish music and culture.
The west coast tour begins April 22! 🤘
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Sing with the Finnish International Choir at FinnFest and Hancock!
Join the Finnish International Choir (Ulkosuomalaisten Suurkuoro) on our 2025 summer tour and experience the rich tradition of Finnish and Finnish-American choral music—no Finnish language experience is required.
🎶 Performance Highlights:
• FinnFest 2025 in Duluth, MN
• Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, MI – August 5 at 7 p.m.
Rehearsals begin on Zoom in April, and the tour runs July 28–August 7, 2025.
Whether you’re an experienced singer or just passionate about music and culture, all are welcome to join!
📧 Sign up or learn more: ulkosuomalaisten.suurkuoro@gmail.com
| | In case you missed it: watch the replay! | | Explore the rich history of the iconic Korsnäs sweater with textile historian Gail DeMeyere. Learn about the intricate design, cultural significance, and the artisans dedicated to preserving this Finnish tradition for future generations. Watch the full talk and dive into the fascinating journey behind this masterful garment! | | |
The chilly end of winter welcomes us to warm up in a sauna. Meet you there!
Photo by Riku Kuurne.
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Is planned giving in your future?
Join the Finlandia Legacy Society today!
| | Our legacy is our people. What’s yours? Learn more about our Finlandia Legacy Society by emailing: office@finlandiafoundation.org | | | | |
