Mon 31.3.2025 at 19 Opening Consert: Väsen-Duo, Maria Kalaniemi & Timo Alakotila

Väsen, Mikael Marin and Olov Johansson have refined their sound and stage presence over 40 years of intense interaction and touring to the extent that they are now unique in their kind. With their playful and perfect interplay, they seem to defy the laws of physics in what appears to be a telepathic communication.

The music is intense, dynamic and full of humor. Using the inspiration of the moment, they create their own musical language that is as modern as it is ancient in its appeal. With the foundation firmly anchored in generations of Uppland fiddling tradition, they always have their eyes curiously fixed on new musical goals.

Maria Kalaniemi and Timo Alakotila are among the most respected musicians of new folk music in Finland. These two musicians are pioneers in the field of Finnish new folk music. They have played in various ensembles and performed in numerous concerts around the world. Maria and Timo have won many awards and recognitions for their musical works. They have both been appointed artist-professors by the State Arts Council.

Over the years, however, their duet work, a dialogue between accordion and piano that is sometimes passionate and sometimes painterly, has remained a very important and beloved form of music-making for them.

Over the years, the collaboration between accordionist Maria Kalaniemi and pianist Timo Alakotila has developed into an excellent, seamless musical alliance. The combination of accordion and piano, both solo and accompaniment instruments, opens up a wealth of compositional possibilities. Finnish and Finnish-Swedish tunes; minuets, polkas, polkas and tangos are played in Maria and Timo’s own fresh arrangements. Argentine tango and French waltzes are an integral part of the repertoire, as are the duo’s own compositions – music with all the spices!