 Riikka Hiltunen (Artistic Policy, Marketing, PR) |
The Etno-Espa event focusing on contemporary Finnish folk music was first organized in August 2005. The idea behind the event originated from a desire to bring this highly appreciated genre of music easily accessible to all audiences. Concerts take place on the Esplanade stage every weekday afternoon in August. Following Jazz-Espa’s July performances, audiences have the possibility to hear high-level Finnish contemporary music for two months. Etno-Espa has gathered about 17 000 visitors per year. The theme of Etno-Espa (Ethnic Esplanade) is contemporary Finnish folk music. Etno-Espa wishes to introduce urban folk music that has been influenced by various cultures, but still maintains its Finnish roots. The Etno-Espa Association was founded in the spring of 2005. The main mission of the association is to organize the Etno-Espa event. Also, through all its actions, the Etno-Espa Association wants to promote awareness and appreciation of Finnish contemporary folk music. In the spring of 2007 Etno-Espa Association and Finnish Jazz Federation organised in cooperation Espavision, which was supported by the Finnish Composers' Copyright Society Teosto. Espavision was a showcase for Jazz-Espa and Etno-Espa for Eurovision guests. Satu Kaarenoja, the director of communications of Teosto said: “…In order to offer all residents, Eurovision guests and other travellers a chance to enjoy diverse Finnish music live, right in the heart of the city, the Composers' Copyright Society Teosto chose a partnership with Espavision, which is an excellent premium of the Eurovision.” Suomeksi |