Implemented as part of the Mikkeli Music Festival’s On the Move! outreach program, the KYLÄSSÄ project truly took off in 2024. This three-year initiative brings the festival’s concerts and musicians to the villages of Mikkeli and nearby municipalities throughout the year. Through the KYLÄSSÄ project, the joy, music, and experiences of the Mikkeli Music Festival can be enjoyed year-round. The concerts and events organized under the project will continue until August 31, 2026.
The project has received EU rural development funding through Veej’jakaja Leader and is co-funded by the European Union.
At its core, the project aims to build cultural capital and mental well-being while providing especially young people with opportunities to develop their musical skills. At the same time, it fosters a network for cultural collaboration throughout the South Savo region. In 2024 and 2025, audiences across South Savo have had the chance to enjoy On the Move! concerts made possible by the project.
In summer 2024, KYLÄSSÄ enabled a unique virtual reality experience with London’s Philharmonia Orchestra. Visitors in Mäntyharju, Hirvensalmi, Kangasniemi, and the Mikkeli area had the opportunity to step virtually into the middle of the orchestra and experience what it feels like to sit among the musicians as a symphony unfolds. Altogether, ten KYLÄSSÄ events and concerts were held in South Savo, ranging from the church concert in Pieksämäki to VR experiences and live performances at Landhaus Kekkola, Sahanlahti, and Ristiina Summer Festival.
In 2025, the KYLÄSSÄ project presented 15 small concerts. For the first time, KYLÄSSÄ concerts were also part of the Mikkeli Music Festival’s main program week, featuring performances by soprano Angelika Klas and pianist Seppo Hovi with colleagues at Poleeni Hall in Pieksämäki, and by the Mikkeli City Orchestra together with baritone Esa Ruuttunen performing Dvořák’s Biblical Songs at Anttola Church.
In 2025, the project also reached new partners: KYLÄSSÄ concerts were organized in collaboration with Mikkeli Music Festival and venues such as Saimaanranta Resort by Anttolanhovi, Puumala Harbor’s Letkeä lauantai event, and the cruise ship M/S Aino, where music accompanied passengers on their journey to Astuvansalmi and Lake Saimaa.
The program planning in 2024 was led by festival director Mirva Helske and pianist Juho Valjakka. The project manager in 2024 was Tiina-Riikka Turunen (for about five months), and producer Elina Koponen. In 2025, the project has been coordinated by Mirva Helske and project staff member Jenni Peltoniemi.
