1KUOPIO by NATURE - Erja Lyytinen - From Kuopio with love The city of Music and Dance Top 10 Architectural Landmarks in Kuopio
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2021
KUOPIO by NATURE
Erja Lyytinen – From
Kuopio with love
The city of
Music and Dance
Top 10 Architectural
Landmarks in Kuopio
E D I TO R I A L CONTENTS
Nature Beyond
“In Kuopio, it seems
as if everyone knows Kuopio as 04 Beyond the Horizon
the Horizon
PAGE 4
a Source of
a secret about life.” 08 The Many Faces of Water
10 Water Calms Down
KUOPIO by NATURE the Busy Worker
Inspiration
12 A Matter of Taste
ANNUAL JOURNAL OF 16 The Nordic Diet is All-Round
THE CITY OF KUOPIO Good – Both for Your Body and
the Food Industry
Editor-in-chief Kirsi Soininen 17 Numbers: Nature &
Executive editor Reetta Airaksinen Travel
Visual Designer
18 The Table Has
Jenni Loimulahti, Ahooy Creative Oy
Been Set
English editing ELSA kielipalvelut, In Kuopio, we live by the water. Wa- pean Region of Gastronomy 2020–
Satu Heikkinen ter is a source of strength in our lei- 2021. Locally produced food, gastro-
Journal texts Akiola Media Oy, sure time and one of our competence nomic experiences combined with
Kumu Communications osk, priorities. Waterways connect us to local culture bring the most amazing
Tekstimies Oy
seas across the globe via the Saimaa taste sensations to the table. The
Cover Kuopio Lakeland / Harbour Canal. Our stunning lake views serve province is a rich producer of food – From Kuopio
ship, photo by Wille Markkanen as a source of inspiration and excite- our top chefs conjure up gastronom- with Love
Special thanks to: Anne Vänttinen, ment. Renowned Japanese artist Kaii ic excellence from locally sourced, PAGE 2 8
Satu Hilden, Henna Lindroos, Higashiyama travelled to the Nordic clean ingredients. Nutritional science
Raija Korhonen, Soile Nevalainen
countries back in 1962, and it was is one of the strong fields of expertise
Printed by Grano especially the scenery in Puijo that in our educational institutions.
enchanted the artist, inspiring one The versatile Kuopio is also a city Live Like Local
Editorial office
of the most valued works of art in Ja- of music, educating professionals in
pan, Polar Summer Night (1963). music and providing extensive op- 20 Kuopio – Enjoying the Riches of
City of Kuopio /
Kuopio is a city of many talents portunities to enjoy music as a hobby. Everyday Life
Marketing and Communication
where cutting-edge expertise in in- The good cooperation between our
Future Kuopio
Tulliportinkatu 31, 25 Ease of Living
P.O. Box 228, FI-70100 Kuopio dustry and commerce, with its pri- professional orchestra, professional
26 Not Just Another Ballgame
orities and clusters, stems from the theatre and educational institutions
28 From Kuopio with Love
Feedback editor@kuopio.fi good cooperation between research, provides internship and employment
education, innovations and business opportunities not only for profes- 32 City of Music and Dance The Wellbeing 46 Savilahti Stage for Future Talk
activities. Campuses come together sionals, but also for students and in- 36 Virtuoso Violinist Lila Watanabe: of Residents is 50 Kuopio is a Smart City – Here,
www.kuopio.fi competencies are combined to
and merge in the district of Savilahti ternational talent. “The Audience is the Best Part the Key to form extensive profiles
www.kuopiohighlights.fi of My Job”
in Kuopio, which serves as a platform I wish you gratifying moments Our Future
www.kuopiotahko.fi 52 Work Globally, Enjoy Life Locally
for future knowledge, learning and reading Kuopio by Nature! 37 Culture Shock – and How Good
It Feels PAGE 54 54 The Wellbeing of Residents is
innovations. Savilahti Stage provides
the Key to Our Future
a venue for future dialogue that will 38 Top 10 Architectural Landmarks
become reality in Savilahti. in Kuopio 56 Adaptation is a Win-Win Game
The Kuopio region is celebrating its Kirsi Soininen 42 Taking Responsibility 57 Numbers: Working life & Business
year as the capital of food, the Euro- Marketing Director, City of Kuopio 45 Numbers: Everyday life & studies 58 Kuopio - the Capital of Good Life
2 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 3
A fascinating moment in
the city harbour of Kuopio.
Beyond the Horizon
Kuopio is surrounded by Kallavesi, one of the largest lakes in
Finland. No matter from which direction you approach the city,
the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. You only get one chance
to make that ever-important first impression, and in this sense,
Kuopio has a great natural advantage. You cannot help but
arrive in a positive state of mind.
Kuva
TEXT TIMO MANSIKKA-AHO
P H OTO S W I L L E M A R K K A N E N A N D T I I N A H A R I N G
Kuopio is a city by the lake, but that is only the OUT OF THE BOAT, INTO THE CITY
start of it. When you board a ship at any of the
various piers by Lake Kallavesi, the voyage can It might come as a surprise to visitors that there
literally take you all the way to the other side of is a new breakwater and a guest pier right next to
the world. the city centre; only a few minutes’ walk from the
While the distance of the voyage knows no lim- pier and you find yourself in a buzzing downtown
its, neither does the range of opportunities there area with hotels, restaurants, cafés and shopping
is to enjoy in and on the waters in Kuopio. The facilities conveniently close by. If walking is not
city is known for its boat manufacturing business your thing, you can opt for a city bike or a hop-on
that goes all the way back to the year 1970. While hop-off bus.
the large lake and beautiful landscapes have in- In addition to the heart of the city centre, the
spired fishers and water skiers alike, boating has coastline also provides plenty of wonderful scen-
It is an extraordinary experience to
become an integral element of quality time in eries and great spots to have a picnic or simply
skate on the frozen lake. Every year
Kuopio. take a look around and enjoy the views. an ice track is created for the Finland Ice
Marathon, that is a 12.5-kilometre course
of crystal-clear ice for People to enjoy.
4 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE
B E YO N D T H E H O R I Z O N B E YO N D T H E H O R I Z O N
Kuopion Saana, a new holiday resort combines
Finnish sauna experiences, restaurant services
and a wide variety activities under one roof. »
There are several places nearby to enhance Cruise entrepreneurs such as Noora Kivi from
the experience with extra services. With so many Kuopion Roll Risteilyt gladly assists passengers.
great opportunities to have fun and enjoy your- “All cruises have been designed to offer a differ-
self, why not stay a bit longer? ent selection of views”, Kivi says. “You can enjoy
Play a game of volleyball, eat a nice dinner or the urban scenery or admire the beautiful nature
relax in a sauna; at its best, the perfect cruise can of the archipelago, including historical buildings.”
be so much more than sitting on a boat. Kivi mentions that customers ask her, time
Listen to Jukka Savolainen, CEO at Kuopion and time again, where the lake actually ends.
Saana, a new holiday resort that combines Finn- The size of Lake Kallavesi never ceases to amaze
ish sauna experiences, restaurant services and a people, as does the number of islands and the
wide variety of events and activities under one breath-taking wonder in its totality.
roof. He will certainly convince you. In terms of the 2021 season, both Savolainen
“We have our own pier for and Kivi are looking forward FEWER MISHAPS, MORE FUN
guest boats and the country’s to additional services that will
largest outdoor patio where “All cruises have been make boating and enjoying the On the route from Kuopio to the other side of the
everyone can relax and enjoy water even more all-inclusive. world, there are plenty of local attractions for a
the nice views”, says Savolai designed to offer As the city bikes are conve boater to consider. The wide archipelago is ex-
nen. “Right next to us, there is a different selection niently located right next to the ceptionally well suited for recreational purposes.
a fuel station, equipped with piers and the hop-on hop-off With so much area to cover and so many activi-
a suction unloader and bilge of views” buses will drive close by, get- ties and opportunities available, one cannot help
pump. An all-inclusive service ting from the boat to the city but wonder about safety issues: how can the oc-
for boats and boaters alike.” centre, the Market Square or casional boater ensure that, in the midst of all the “Last year, we had a record number of missions,
even the slopes of Puijo will be extremely effort- fun, they can also arrive on the other side in one and we expect the same in 2021. As enthusiasm
MANY WAYS TO ENJOY THE less. And, with the new hop-on hop-off boats, piece? grows, people tend to forget to take care of basic
WATER the experience will be even more versatile; you That is where organizations such as Kuopion preparations properly.”
can get on a boat at one pier and get off at an- Järvipelastajat (Kuopio Lake Rescue) come in. Tuovinen emphasizes that Lake Kallavesi is in-
Outside the city, surrounded by nature that other, and perhaps take a bus back to your boat. “When it comes to taking care of your boat, ed- deed a “divine” environment for boating, and he
seems almost untamed, you can experience a A great day in Kuopio is only a matter of imagina- ucating yourself and remembering the principles strongly recommends it. However, it is worth
world that differs completely from the urban tion – and choice. are a good start,” says Jussi Tuovinen, Chairman keeping in mind that the fewer unpleasant sur-
coastline – although there are several similari- There are excellent options available even for of the Board. “When it comes to boating, taking prises there are, the greater the enjoyment will
ties. This is like another dimension of Kallavesi; longer cruises on the Kallavesi waterways. Take others into consideration is important as well.” be.
far away from the buzz of the city, yet close by a trip a bit further through the archipelago, and Kuopio Lake Rescue is a 50-year-old organi For travellers and locals alike, the surrounding
and convenient to reach. the scenery begins to look like a national park – zation that provides volunteer help for those waters add substantial value to the way Kuopio
So convenient that you do not even have to where, in a way, you have actually arrived. There stranded afloat due to engine breakdown, hitting is experienced. Just seeing the breathtakingly
take a boat there yourself. Just hop on one of the are wonderful trips available to nearby islands a rock, running out of fuel or other such incident. beautiful Lake Kallavesi is an unforgettable mo-
numerous cruise ships near the city centre. Why and guest marinas, and you can visit several great Tuovinen mentions that as boating has gained ment, but when it comes to seriously enhanc-
drive, when you can sit on deck, relax – and per- towns by the lake, should you decide to cruise all popularity – largely due to the coronavirus – that ing customer experience, there is definitely a lot
haps enjoy a nice lunch on the way. the way to the southern parts of the country. means more work for the organization as well. more there than meets the eye.
6 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE 7
old Puijo Tower for a few seconds and almightiest dish that is as quintes-
went back to Japan, bursting with sentially Kuopio as anything else: the
The Many Faces of Water
creativity. A year later, the painting traditional vendace and bacon pasty.
“Polar Summer Night” was complet- If they made that anywhere else but
ed. The connection with nature and Kuopio, it just would not be the real
the quality of life he experienced in thing.
Kuopio created a success story that As in so many Finnish towns lo-
still inspires people on the other side cated by forests and waterways, the
of the world today. paper industry has been an impor-
In December 2020, “Polar Summer tant contributor to the economy of
Night” arrived at the source of its in- Kuopio. One of the best news – and
spiration. It will be on display in the greatest achievements in the field of
Puijo Tower for now. sustainable development – has been
the ability of the industry to develop
Kaii Higashiyama – Polar Summer ways to operate with minimal impact
CULTURE
Night, 1963, The National Museum on the environment. Even though the
of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT)
An easy approach – and exit, for that
matter – has been one of the driving
forces that has had a strong effect The harmonious
AESTHETICS on the cosmopolitan atmosphere
of Kuopio. Steamboats carried pas-
relationship between
The beauty of the city by the water sengers here from Central Europe water and the people of
has impressed people throughout already in the early days of interna-
the centuries. While the locals enjoy tional travel, and Kuopio was one of Kuopio is almost tangible.
long walks along the shoreline and the first cities in Finland where new
sitting by the pier looking at the ho- ideologies and ways of thinking would
rizon, artists from around the world take root. The fact that you can travel production volumes have remained
have come here to immortalize these by water from Kuopio all the way to the same, statistics show that espe-
unique sights. One of the most pop- Cape Town, if you wish, has been an cially when it comes to emissions to
ular ways to do this is to hike up the enriching element to the cultural and water, the achievements have been
slopes of Puijo, then perhaps take the ideological development of society nothing short of exceptional. The
lift to the top of the tower – and take as a whole. overall importance of water has been
a look around. Amazing views open recognized, and corrective measures
Kuopio is known as the “Capital of Lakeland”, and anyone who up in all directions, sparking your in- ECONOMY have been successfully taken.
spiration and tickling those creative The harmonious relationship be-
has taken even a brief look around, immediately understands why.
bones like nothing else. Below the surface are the fish, an in- tween water and the people of Kuo-
Besides providing exceptional opportunities to enjoy yourself and have In 1962, Kaii Higashiyama, one of tegral source of livelihood in Kuopio, pio is almost tangible. While the
a great time, water has a wide variety of other useful the most renowned post-war artists as well as one of the most essential opportunities are enjoyed to the
in Japan, took a four-month trip to ingredients of local cuisine. Vendace max, a strong respect is inherent in
purposes for people and businesses. It enlivens the Nordic countries with his wife. is the most legendary fish in the area everything that people do. Without
the entire society, in more ways than one. They arrived in Kuopio by boat and and widely used in several famous water, the city would not be the same,
were immediately captivated by the dishes. You simply cannot leave town so the best thing to do is to handle it
TEXT TIMO MANSIKKA-AHO beauty of the landscape. Higashi- before tasting fried vendace with with care.
P H OTO S W I L L E M A R K K A N E N A N D H A R J U L A P R O D U C T I O N yama filmed Lake Kallavesi out of the mashed potatoes, not to mention the
8 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE 9
Water Calms Down
the Busy Worker After selling his company Bella-Veneet Oy about
a year ago, Raimo Sonninen has already had time
go out on the water – and that is how his career
as a boatbuilder started. He has wanted to pass
to establish holiday resort Kuopion Saana with on the good that he has received and invests the
his partners and is now involved in setting up money he has made in the boat business in things
Having led Bella-Veneet from a garage to the top of both an apartment hotel and a sport hall in Bel- that will bring joy to others as well.
the world Raimo Sonninen has many irons in the fire. lanranta. They will provide Sonninen believes that
His latest projects combine work, leisure and water. the perfect way to combine boat travel brings families
work and leisure right next to together and creates good
Lake Kallavesi.
"If you spend your leisure memories of times spent to-
TEXT MINNA AKIOLA | P H OTO Q V I M A R K K I T E H D I T OY Sonninen thinks that the time out of the water, gether on the water.
general mode of work is “As the old saying goes, if
changing. For example, peo- the amount of time you spend your leisure time
ple want conference rooms you get doubles." out of the water, the amount
that create a positive vibe of time you get doubles. Out
and calm them down. Many on the lake, you can look
also want to balance their work with something around and you do not have to tread along a nar-
that detaches them from work. The plan is to also row road, says Sonninen.
include e.g. padel courts and climbing facilities in Saana also has a jetty where you can climb
the sport hall. aboard an inland waterway vessel to visit various
“In the old days, work was all that mattered, places or simply enjoy a scenic lake tour.
but thanks to more leisure time, people yearn for
more experiences and hobbies to try as well.”
The hotel will have conference rooms overlook-
ing the lake. Sonninen has noticed the calming
effects of water also at home. He has always lived
by the water – or at least has been able to see
water from his windows. He finds water endless-
ly fascinating due to its ever-changing shapes,
from calm surfaces to dark and stormy waters.
“In Saana, people prefer to withdraw by the lake
to continue working after a lunch meeting. Some
opt for a corner table next to a window, while
others go out on the terrace. If you break your
concentration to raise your head just a bit, you
will find the water and nature right by your side,
making you feel good.”
Water as an element also gave the first boost
to Sonninen’s career in boatbuilding. When his Raimo Sonninen is developing Bellanranta
father refused to buy him a boat, the 12-year-old district to become a center of wellbeing.
Raimo made a canoe all by himself to be able to Photo: Bella Boats
KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE 11
Finnish superfood from our
common backyard – the forest.
A Matter of Taste The Kuopio region can provide truly fulfilling
gastronomic experiences even for the most
FROM THE FOREST AND INTO
YOUR MOUTH
demanding taste buds. One of the great added
Although picking berries and mushrooms in the forest and benefits to this is that quite a few ingredients are The best berry picking and fishing experiences
available to everyone, free of charge, in nature all are so much more than just trying to get a big
preparing vendace and bacon pasty may seem like perfectly around us. harvest or catch. Both the forests and the lakes
ordinary, everyday activities to Finns, they represent high-level Among other public rights, known as “every- serve as great retreats. You can simply look
exoticism and an endless source of amazement to many others. man’s rights” in Finland, everyone has the right to around and enjoy the view, relax and listen to the
freely pick berries and mush- sounds of nature. If you happen
rooms in the forest, as long as to be able to bring a few ber-
TEXT TIMO MANSIKKA-AHO
they do not cause unnecessary ries or fish home – great! If not
P H OTO S E U R O P E A N R E G I O N O F G A S T R O N O M Y K U O P I O A N D
harm to nature or people living
Everyone has the right – perhaps it was just an excuse
WILLE MARKKANEN
close by. Given the amount of to freely pick berries to be able to escape from the
delicacies simply waiting to be hustle of the city for a moment.
picked each year, you can count
and mushrooms Besides, given that there
on getting a good crop as long in the forest. is excellent, locally produced
as you have some idea of where food easily available in Kuopio,
to look. what’s the point of trying to
As long as you possess a valid license, you can prepare it yourself anyway?
freely try your luck at fishing as well. Kuopio is fa- All you need to do is head out to the Market
mous especially for its vendace dishes, but there Square in the city centre and you will find sever-
are also plenty of other fish in the lakes to catch. al options to choose from – from the legendary
12 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE 13
Eeva Mertanen is one of Kuopio's ERG
ambassadors. Eeva's heart sings for
good, clean food and local culture.
Top Chef Anssi Kantelinen knows
the ingredients of the good life.
vendace and bacon pasty to vegetarian dishes gion has to offer, the local haute cuisine is worth tional cuisine to the table – more often than not
and pies. Within a couple of blocks, there are sev- sharing. with a modern twist.
eral high-level restaurants that provide all sorts One thing led to another and eventually even As Eeva Mertanen, CEO at Ravintolamestarit
of tasty experiences, using many local ingredi- the people at the European Region of Gastron- and one of Kuopio’s ERG ambassadors, says on
ents. omy Platform were impressed. In fact, they were the ERG website:
Speaking of tasty experiences, local chefs and so impressed that they awarded the Kuopio re- “Gastronomy is a holistic experience. It is deli-
restaurant operators really gion the official ERG title for the cious, clean food and tasty drinks combined with
know how to elevate food to years 2020–2021. memorable moments with heartfelt presence.
the next level. While their skills As a result, and in spite of the It’s about culture, crafts, music, people and en-
and craftmanship are compli- pandemic, there is a lot going counters. In Kuopio region we have something
mented on a daily basis, they
“Gastronomy is on in and around Kuopio. The unique: clean waters, forests and air with the
have been recognized on a na- a holistic clean nature, light summer skills to use the rhythm of nature.”
tional level as well. Perhaps the nights, high-quality ingredients
greatest achievement in this
experience.” and everyman’s rights are ele- view. While the travel industry is one of the most
SETTING THE TABLE FOR
front was Anssi Kantelinen’s ments that locals want to share INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION obvious lines of business to capitalize on the on-
Finnish Top Chef Award in 2015. with visitors. There are all kinds going gastronomic hype, the doors are now open
of food-themed events, farm- While the ERG title brings the international spot- to anyone hoping to explore business opportuni-
SPREADING THE WORD ACROSS ers’ markets, events combining food and culture, light on the first-rate ingredients and state-of- ties and establish partner networks.
EUROPE pop-up restaurants in extraordinary surround- the-art cooking skills in the region, it also opens Food connects families and cultures and paves
ings and excursions oozing with cultural heritage. up opportunities on a much wider scale. The re- the way for businesses and even entire nations
While typical Finns like to keep their treasures to Nominated ERG restaurants are placing a special gion has succeeded in capturing international at- to prosper together. There is no underestimating
themselves, the outgoing citizens of Kuopio have emphasis on locally produced ingredients, using tention, at least during the title period, and there the power of growth that the region’s fertile soil
felt that, among all the other great things the re- their expertise and craftmanship to bring tradi- is huge potential there from an economic point of holds.
14 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE 15
KU OP IO BY N U M B E R S
In Kuopio people get to live as they like
The Nordic Diet is All-Round
Good – Both for Your Body
Nature & Travel – at their own pace, in the middle of nature
and city, while always surrounded by
human compassion.
and the Food Industry
6 TH AMONG THE TOP OVERNIGHT STAYS IN
6
KUOPIO-TAHKO
The Nordic diet, at its best, means eating THE
local and supporting the Finnish food in-
dustry. Research also indicates that it may
BEST AIR QUALIT Y AMONG
EUROPEAN CITIES
TOURISM DESTINATION
IN FINL AND
300,000
prevent diseases.
SURROUNDED BY FINL AND'S BEST
100 100
TEXT MINNA AKIOLA DISC GOLF TRACK AT
PUIJO
P H OTO E U R O P E A N R E G I O N O F G A S T R O N O M Y K U O P I O
L AKES
DIFFERENT FIRE PITS,
SHORELINE GOAHTIS (FIN: KOTA)
6340
FISHING LODGES AND
600
The Institute of Public Health and ferences between the two diets are from plants that grow here”, says
LEAN-TO SHELTERS
Clinical Nutrition at the University of mainly related to food culture. Schwab. KM (FIN: L AAVU )
Eastern Finland (UEF) studies the sig- Schwab urges people to appreciate
nificance of nutrition in the promo- LOCALLY SOURCED domestically sourced food. Domes-
KM OF SKI TRACKS
5
tion of health and the treatment of INGREDIENTS tic berries, for example, are often
diseases and the significance of food more nutritious than imported fruit TAHKO STEPS
SPAS
1054
as an element of wellbeing. HND is based on ingredients that are and berries and have hardly any con-
NATURE
Several years ago, the UEF was in- easily available in the Nordic coun- taminants.
CONSERVATION AREAS
volved in a Nordic study, examining tries. For instance, wheat is typically
31 2
the healthy Nordic diet (HND). The used Mediterranean countries, but The healthy Nordic diet
study showed that the diet reduces in the Nordics, it is balanced by bar- BEACHES 800M LONG
low-grade inflammation in the body ley, oat and rye. Here, the vegetables
can be compared to the
and improves blood sugar and fat group is more varied, because root Mediterranean diet
1
metabolism. vegetables are consumed along with
ST
REVENUES FROM THE L ARGEST NATIONAL
“HND has also been shown to other vegetables. “Domestic vegetables and berries TOURISM TO CIT Y PARK WITH
prevent certain diseases”, says Pro- “This is not a competition over are often better than foreign ones THE NORTHERN SAVO A SURFACE AREA OF
€ 500 7,200
fessor of Nutrition Therapy Ursula which diet is better. For example, it in terms of their nutritional content
Schwab from the University of East- makes sense to use olive oil in Ita- and they are always practically local,
EUROPEAN REGION
ern Finland. ly and Greece, because it is a local because Finland is such a small coun-
OF GASTRONOMY
The healthy Nordic diet can be product. Here, on the other hand, it try.”
CIT Y IN FINL AND
compared to the Mediterranean diet. is more natural to use rapeseed and MILLION MILLION
According to Schwab, the only dif- colza oil, because they are derived
16 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE
PUIJON TORNIRAVINTOLA
The Table Has Been Set
( TOWER RESTAURANT)
The surrounding nature and regional producers
guarantee that the ingredients here are always
fresh and delicious. It is the restaurant’s firm ob-
jective to only source from producers who can
be seen from the Puijo Tower – which is 75 me-
tres high and surrounded by breath-taking views
in every direction. The restaurant knows all its
producers in person, and is also well-aware of
the origins of its meat, vegetables and the gifts
of nature. Nature is visible in the interior as well;
you can even hear and smell it. The restaurant
revolves around slowly so you get to admire full
360-degree views while enjoying a delicious
meal.
TAHKO PANORAMA BAR
Welcome to the atmospheric, scenic restau-
There are altogether more than two dozen restaurants in the Kuopio rant on top of the Tahko slopes! Panorama is a
region, holder of the European Region of Gastronomy (ERG) title. dream venue for anyone who loves a good view;
overlooking Lake Syväri, it provides unforget-
In addition, a wide variety of food and beverage producers as well table moments in every sense. You can enjoy
as primary producers are involved, working together to bring delicious food and a captivating atmosphere in
the main restaurant, the heated pavilion or the
the very best the region has to offer to the table. large sun deck – and, in the winter, there is even
a 200-seater snow deck. There is a wide variety
TEXT AULI TUOMI | P H OTO S E U R O P E A N R E G I O N O F G A S T R O N O M Y K U O P I O of menus available, and even a scenic sauna for
those who want to scrub up before dinner!
The ERG title is based on require-
ments guided by IGCAT standards
Restaurants in the Kuopio region
and regional criteria. It is a sign that with an ERG title include: Find more ERG-approved cafés, restaurants, wineries and breweries in Kuopio:
the restaurant is a real gem of region-
al cuisine. ERG restaurants champion
local, responsibly produced ingredi- MUSTA LAMMAS The sturdy cellar vaults were built • Alahovi Winery • King's Crown Music • Musta Lammas Fine Dining • Saana Restaurant, Spa and
ents and serve them with genuine, (BLACK SHEEP) in 1862, originally for a local brew- • Bierstube Pub Restaurant • Pannuhuone Gust. Ranin Sauna
• Koivumäki Manor Bar • Sawohouse & Sabor
native flair. ery, which soon began to make • Burger5 Restaurant
• Kummisetä Restaurant • Panorama Bar Tahko House Kitchen & Bar
In addition, the restaurants are The kitchen here is inspired by the stronger spirits as well. In 1982, • Café and Cake Shop
Houkutus • Kuopio Market Hall • Panza Mexican Restaurant • Skilla Nordic Restaurant
committed to developing the envi- various seasons of the culinary a sign with the word “Gourmet”
• Urban Lunch and Fine
ronmental, economic and social re- year, regional forests, fields and was hoisted on top of the arch and • Café Kaneli • Kuzina Wine & Daily • Puijo Tower Restaurants
and Cafe Dining
sponsibility of their operations and clear lakes. The rooftop garden as Restaurant Black Sheep was born. • Container Restaurant • Lignell & Piispanen
Morton • Rauhalahti Jätkänkämppä • Viking Restaurant Harald
supporting regional wellbeing by e.g. well as several local producers and Since then, the restaurant has con- • Liki Restaurant
Lodge • VS Ravintolat (restaurants)
sourcing local ingredients whenever pickers provide the best ingredi- tinued to raise Finnish food and • GastroBar B/P • Lohimaa Fish and Travel
possible. ents for the tastiest experiences. beverage culture to the next level. • Iso-Kalla Brewery • Roll Cruises
• Majatalo Osula Bed &
• Isä Camillo Mediterranean Breakfast • RPS Brewing More information at:
Restaurant www.tastesavo.fi
18 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATUREKuopio – Enjoying
the Riches of
Everyday Life
The riches of everyday life in Kuopio can consist of
a gentle steam in your very own yard sauna, a steaming
cup of coffee on top of Puijo during a walk, a warm chat
with a friend in Kantti, the home of facts and fantasies,
or a scientific experiment that gets you bubbling
with excitement at the Children’s University.
TEXT MINNA AKIOLA | P H OTO S W I L L E M A R K K A N E NThe natural curiosity of our children is the fuel in
the Childrens's University – a interesting co-
operation with the University of Eastern Finland.
Kantti can also be described as a unique social
innovation, a solution that aims to promote and
generate wellbeing. The library and the two mu-
seums form a complex that provides opportuni-
ties to be creative and meet others, thereby also
promoting wellbeing.
Hentunen says that the home of facts and fan-
tasies will provide experiences through various
exhibitions and events that foster new perspec-
tives.
House of facts and fantasies KANTTI is a social
“In addition to permanent exhibitions, the mu-
innovation combining the common memory seums will house temporary exhibitions, and the
– Museum and open-to-all Library. library allows users to delve deeper into the same
themes through literature and various other con-
tent. The content forms an integral part of won-
der and insight.”
Kantti will be a meeting place like no other in
In Kuopio, you can find out what it feels like to centre and all the services you need are within KANTTI SERVES AS A PLATFORM the heart of the city, but Hentunen hopes that it
simply step outside the door after a day’s work cycling distance. The short distances and various FOR EXPERIENCES, ENCOUNTERS will also find its way into the hearts of residents
and go straight into leisure mode. You do not forms of housing cater to the entire human life- AND WONDERING and visitors.
need to waste time sitting in traffic, but you can cycle: families with children may prefer to live in
easily head out to exercise, go fishing, boating or the peaceful countryside, while pensioners may Joining the Kuopio Museum and the main library, CHILDREN’S UNIVERSITY
hiking, or enjoy various sports and cultural activ- yearn for the hustle and bustle of the city – or vice Kantti, the home of facts and fantasies, will open ENCOURAGES INVESTIGATION
ities. Everything is within reach, and the range of versa. in phases in 2021.
services is wide. Everyday life is truly rich! Father of four and Communications Manager “Kantti allows you to see and experience – and Organized by the educational service provider
Local sports and exercise venues are constant- at Savonia University of Applied Sciences Petteri perhaps even wonder at – your everyday life and SnellmanEDU, the Children’s University does its
ly developed and offer numerous activities. The Alanko considers this an asset. If children want surroundings. The riches of everyday life are dis- part in supporting wellbeing services in Kuopio.
lush park surrounding Valkeisenlampi Pond in- to move from the countryside to the city to enjoy played there in the riches of Activities were launched ten
vites you to take a walk, and you can hop on an student life, they do not need to move to another stories”, says Janne Hentunen, years ago and the focus is on
electric bike and whiz to Väinölänniemi in no time locality entirely. They can live in the same area, Director of Wellbeing Promo- The environment providing science education for
to play tennis. The environment is also safe for although their form of housing may change. tion at the City of Kuopio. is also safe for children by utilizing their natu-
children to travel. Children, adolescents and pen- “If you take a map and a compass and draw a Kantti aims to inspire discus- ral enthusiasm and interest to-
sioners in Kuopio can obtain a Wellness Pass, en- circle with a diameter of 30 kilometres around sion around current topics. It children to travel. wards new things.
titling them to various hobbies at a lower price. Kuopio, you will see that there are plenty of op- provides an inspiring, safe plat- “Children are given activating
tions for both studying and housing in the area.” form for understanding various themes and the experiences of different scientific disciplines. For
HOUSING OPTIONS FOR EVERY Alanko is pleased that Kuopio provides interna- opportunity to gain access to deeper knowledge. example, they have made volcanoes and tooth-
LIFESTYLE AND SITUATION tional education paths from day care all the way “It can contribute to building trust in the future, paste for elephants in the chemistry lab”, says
to higher education. His work has also shown as the changes taking place in the world can be Principal of SnellmanEDU Soili Meklin.
Distances are short in Kuopio; it is possible to that people want to come to the city to study, better grasped using the knowledge available in The experiences have given the children a
walk right across the grid plan area of the city because the education is multidisciplinary. Kantti”, says Hentunen. thirst for knowledge. Indeed, the idea is that the
22 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL 23children would continue to be excited about sci-
ence at home and experiment with things in their
everyday life as well. Meklin believes that the daily
instruction proceeds according to the children’s
questions and interests, although it is based on a
teaching plan.
Ease of Living
life of families can be enriched “This year, we introduced a
by doing easy, safe scientific new, virtual Children’s Universi- How did a professor of dentistry end up moving from the middle
experiments at home. It has been easy ty. It allows children to become
of Europe to the middle of (k)nowhere? And does he think living
The Children’s University is absorbed in the world of sci-
partnered with the University
to find scientists in ence through an application.” here is easy? Let Szabolcs Felszeghy tell you all about it.
of Eastern Finland. It has been different fields Even if a child who takes part
easy to find scientists in differ- in the activities does not go
ent fields to take part, and they, to take part. on to study at university as an
too, enjoy talking to children adult, Meklin hopes that the in-
about their field. quisitive approach to life would remain.
Activities are organized in the form of day “We have received feedback from parents and
camps in the summer and evening clubs during grandparents as well saying that the Children’s A moment of silence at
the school year. According to Meklin, there is no University also gives them a nice glimpse into the Hietasalo Island while the blue
strict curriculum governing the activities, but the world of science”, says Meklin. moment of the day rolls in.
Photo Szabolcs Felszeghy
Szabolcs Felszeghy moved with his in love with Kuopio, its nature and what makes life so easy here, and the
family from Hungary to Kuopio a few Finland in general. And now, our third local government has made it even
What makes Kuopio so unique? years ago. He works at the University baby girl is born a real Savonian. easier to enjoy nature in Kuopio by
of Eastern Finland and writes a blog developing cycling and cross-country
about his thoughts of Finland and DO YOU THINK LIVING IN routes, opening new public beaches
Kuopio stands out with its festive events, amazing food and unique nature.
Finnishness through the eyes of an KUOPIO IS EASY? for free and many other measures.
But take a look at these slightly different facts:
immigrant. Although we are in the middle of
Generally, YES, it is, but you need to (k)nowhere with less than 200 000
• Kuopio is surrounded by over 100 lakes. • The jovial Savo dialect is ever-flowing in Kuopio.
HOW DID YOU END UP IN be punctual. Being on time is not only inhabitants, Kuopio is an extreme-
• Kuopio has a shoreline of 6340 km. • The locals have named Kuopio’s marketplace as KUOPIO? typically Savonian, but is expected of ly beautiful city embedded in nature
• Is said to be ten minutes walk from the doorstep
the Centre of the Universe, or “Mualiman napa”. everyone. Being on time is their way and is starting to become more and
of any home in Kuopio to the outdoor sport • The Wife Carrying World Championship Contest I first met Savonians in 1998 and dis- of telling you they value you. more multicultural too.
facilities. is hosted annually in Sonkajärvi, 1.5 hour’s drive covered that they are awesome. I
• Nightless nights – in summer, the sun sets
from Kuopio. loved everything I learned about the “We were falling
below the horizon only for a short time in • Top events such as Kuopio Dance festival, Ironman, country during my first three-month
the Kuopio region. KuopioRock, Kuopio Comedy festival, Finland Ice stay as a PhD student at Prof. Heikki ever more in love
Marathon, ANTI Contemporary Art festival, Food Helminen’s Department of Anatomy.
• The frozen lakes in wintertime are used for
and Wine festivals and many more! with Kuopio.”
example, cross-country skiing, ice skating and In 2015 I heard about a vacant se
ice fishing. • ...and also let's not forget about Kuopio's nior researcher position at the Uni- Besides that, I think we also have a
heartly people and inspirational and surprising
• Ice swimming refreshes the body and the mind. versity of Eastern Finland. I applied for great choice of entertainment, good
encounters.
the position and got the job. I moved food, music, sports and culture. Kuo- Blog:
here with my family and, in 2018, af- pio has a lot of surrounding nature https://blogs.uef.fi/on-the-
ter two years, we decided to stay for a and we all know Mother Nature does move/2020/07/10/finnish-summers-
while, since we were falling ever more not charge an entrance fee… This is short-but-full-of-joy-of-life/
24 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL 25Not Just Another
Ballgame
Whoever it was that invented the myth of unsociable Finns
apparently never attended a ballgame in Kuopio. Truth be
said, the people in this neck of the woods tend to be easier
to approach than in most parts of the country, but when it
comes to rooting for your favourite soccer, American foot-
ball, baseball (the Finnish version), volleyball, basketball
or even ice hockey team, there is every reason to expect
things to get downright wild.
Photo: Janne Pirinen
TEXT TIMO MANSIKKA-AHO The national success and great experiences are extremely important,
P H OTO S J A N N E P I R I N E N A N D J A R I T U R U N E N both for the players and for the children and the city itself. Photo: Jari Turunen
Fan support and team success go hand in hand. of 2020, playing extremely well in the qualifying “We have established a solid position in Kuo- it comes to issues such as health, social wellbe-
This has been demonstrated in Kuopio through- rounds but losing the crucial game. Several indi- pio”, Utriainen states. “While we are not the big- ing and the economy, the entire society benefits.
out the decades. vidual players that began their careers at KuPS gest sport, our objective is to be the most attrac- To be more precise, by well over ten million euros
Back in the 1970s KuPS, Kuopio’s biggest soc- are now playing for bigger European teams, hav- tive one.” every year.
cer team, were among the three best teams ing also reached the Finnish national team. Pekka Utriainen compliments the communal
in the country, four years in a row. In the unfor- Lahti says that soccer can make the entire city spirit of Kuopio when it comes to sports. There
gettable season of 1982, there were altogether of Kuopio throb with energy, and the man himself
There is a universal is a universal team spirit hanging over the city, in-
three teams from Kuopio playing on the highest is a living proof of this. Enthusiasm underlines his team spirit hanging viting everyone to come along and have a good
national level – and, during the last four seasons, every word. time with their favourite sports teams.
KuPS have won medals again. over the city. Go to a game and see for yourself. There will be
“The national success and great experiences PLENTY TO CHOOSE FROM plenty of roars and laughter, plenty of jumping up
are extremely important, both for the players and Indeed, the Steelers have been attractive. In and down, plenty of screaming.
for the children and the city itself”, says Ari Lahti, Versatility is one of Kuopio’s great riches. When 2020, the team went all the way to win the Finn- All those sedate Finns having the time of their
the owner of KuPS. “They are a living proof of the it comes to cuisine, culture, activities – or sports ish Championship. It goes without saying that lives.
fact that the European stadiums are not that far teams, there is plenty to choose from. this ignited both the fans and those interested in There may be a ballgame going on, but in Kuo-
from reach, even from Kuopio.” Pekka Utriainen, head coach of the American playing. pio, it is never just a ballgame.
Indeed, KuPS was on the verge of making it football team Steelers, sees this as a great op- Such moments of victory also work wonders
all the way to the Europa League in the autumn portunity, both for the fans and the players. on a larger scale. Ari Lahti points out that when
26 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL 27COLUMN COLUMN
From Kuopio with Love
Last autumn I headed off to my city of birth,
At nightfall, we came up with the idea of a late
Kuopio, to visit a friend. autumn mushroom hunt. My friend assured me
that she knew a great, secret spot of yellowfoot
chanterelles in the shelter of the forest. We came
T E X T E R J A LY Y T I N E N | P H OTO S S A N N A P I E T I K Ä I N E N
to a marked path and after some time, we turned
off it and into the forest. Walking briskly and con-
fidently, my friend really seemed to know where
we were going. I stumbled along, trying to follow
my friend in the dark as spruce branches tore at
my clothes. I was just about to give up when we
arrived at the foot of a slope rising ahead. My
friend used a mobile phone to light up the forest
floor. And there, in the dark, hidden from sight,
sat a bunch of enormous yellowfoot chanterelles
just waiting for us. We started picking them with
childlike enthusiasm, thanks to our everyman’s
rights.
The dark forest.
Silence. Humidity
hugging us.
The dark forest. Silence. Humidity hugging us.
A spider's web on a lingonberry stem. What an in-
credible experience! There I was, crouched down,
smelling yellowfoot mushrooms in the forests of
my home, wondering what it was that kept me in
the throbbing life of the congested capital region
– the answer, of course, was my music production
company, gigs and other band activities. In short,
my work, which normally whisks me around the
world, from England to Spain or Romania to play
blues rock as a Savo-born woman to people who
thirst for music.
28 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 29COLUMN
One of the world's best blues guitarist Erja Lyytinen
and her band at the roof top of Kuopio. The unique
live stream concert was held in June 2020.
“The centre of the universe” is located in Savo, that you can find something good in everything. protégé in the middle of a Finnish spruce forest. rooms in your home country or abroad. A person-
but I’ve come across a number of similar centres I have strong roots in Savo, but over the de We’ve certainly seen a steady flow of Finnish al experience and doing things yourself give it all
all across the globe over the years. I discover cades, I’ve found several “homes” where I return musicians going abroad in the last couple of de a special meaning. My friend and I picked so many
something new and interesting in almost every to time and again. My roots stretch far and wide, cades. More than 30 000 Finns work in the music yellowfoot chanterelles that there were plenty to
place I go. Whether it be a small village festival in and their foundation rests firmly on the rocks industry, which is a large number in such a small share with my friends and relatives. And after a
the Urals where blues music of Jynkänvuori in Kuopio, country. I’m one of those who also work as an day spent outdoors, there’s nothing better than
sounds in the market square, where I used to run around entrepreneur while giving work to a whole group the delicious smell of mushrooms sizzling in but-
or driving on a bumpy road for as a young girl... once almost of other freelancers. I get to work in my dream ter in a pan, accompanied by a blues record rasp-
hours to reach a warm-heart- More than 30 000 running into a 300-kilo elk. job, which makes me truly happy. The Kuopio of ing in a vinyl record player, where the swooping
ed city somewhere in Po- Finns work in Different locations, different my childhood was quite withdrawn, and an inter- notes of the vocalist occasionally sound like lazy
land, where craftsmanship sides to draw from. All influ- national career seemed like a distant dream at Savo dialect.
flourishes in the hands of the music industry. ential places in their own way. the time. In the last decade, my city of birth has
ceramic and jewellery artists There is uniqueness to be reached a new high and is now able to compete
and drawers. Or a skyscraper- found everywhere, if you only even with bigger cities by offering an extensive
dotted metropolis in Canada, a blues festival in give it a chance. That’s why I sometimes collect range of opportunities to live, enjoy hobbies and Erja Lyytinen
the middle of the Swiss Alps, playing in the heat stones on my journeys, because if I can't take the find employment, while revelling in nature at the Musician, Managing Director at
of India while suffering from gastritis, or the rug- world-famous Rockies with me in one piece, per- same time. Bluesland Productions
ged Svalbard islands in the icy Arctic Ocean. The haps I can at least keep a tiny bit of them. But one thing is certain. The mushrooms you “Phenomenon of the Year 2020”
fact that I come from Savo and approach new When I signed a record deal with a German re- pick yourself always taste better than store- honorary certificate
discoveries with jovial, childlike wonder has often cord company in the mid-2000s, the head of the bought, pre-packaged and cleaned mushrooms. #2 Ranking on “10 World´s Best Guitarist Now”
spared me from disappointments and taught me company joked that they discovered their new Regardless of whether you picked the mush- (Total Guitar )
30 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 31Atso Almila thinks that the concert hall is a unique
place to work and the work community shares
City of Music and Dance
a wonderful spirit of solidarity.
“The orchestra has evolved in interesting ways”, KUOPIO MUSIC CENTRE –
says Atso Almila, 2nd conductor of the Kuopio THE GEM OF KUOPIONLAHTI
Symphony Orchestra. He has followed the music
Kuopio residents love dance and music. Over the years, scene in Kuopio already since the 1970s and as a
resident of the city since 1996. One of the most prominent outcomes of the lo-
their strong will and persistent cooperation have given rise to
“The orchestra has grown younger and, today, cal cultural ambitions is the Kuopio Music Centre,
the city’s very own professional orchestra, the unique Kuopio Music it is one of the most international orchestras built in 1985. The building serves as the home
Centre, the Dance Festival, the Senior High of Music and Dance and in Finland. Many professional musicians pre- of the Symphony Orchestra, a stage for Fin-
fer to stay in Kuopio, because the orchestra is land’s top entertainers from music to dance and
even a unit of the Sibelius Academy. The music education provided in well-managed, the concert hall is a unique place stand up and a campus for three different music
Kuopio bears fruit in concert halls across the globe as well as in to work and the work community shares a won- schools. The atmosphere in the building is cosy,
numerous number one spots in album charts. Recent decades derful spirit of solidarity”, says Almila. resembling a living room.
Concertmaster of the Kuopio Symphony Or- Kuopio Music Centre is particularly famous
have also brought plenty of international talent to the city. chestra Lila Watanabe also enjoys the interna- for its large concert hall with state-of-the-art
tional community she works in. acoustics. Many international musicians have re-
“Combining different cultural backgrounds in corded music there. Atso Almila especially recalls
TEXT ELINA KALLASAARI making music together is something very impor- the comment made by American master violinist
P H OTO S K U O P I O M U S I C C E N T R E , W I L L E M A R K K A N E N , tant and fulfilling, and I think the audience can feel Ruggiero Ricci.
PETRA TIIHONEN AND LUKKAROINEN ARCHITEC TS that coming from the stage when we play”, says “Ricci, who has 76 years old at the time, visited
Watanabe. the Kuopio Music Centre in 1994 and wrote in the
32 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL 33C IT Y OF M U S IC AN D DANC E
Music can also be studied in Lumit, Kuopio's Senior High School of Arts,
which is beeing rebuild at the moment. Photo: Lukkaroinen Architects and Photo: Petra Tiihonen
VSU Maisema-arkkitehdit
guestbook: ‘This is absolutely one of the best if The schools work in exceptionally close coop- Music education in Kuopio has served as a West Side Story musical is an inspiring example
not the best hall I have ever played in’”, says Al eration not only with each other, but also with the springboard for the career of many musicians of cross-institutional collaboration of local music
mila. Symphony Orchestra and the City Theatre. and frontline artists from Paula Vesala to Marco schools with young talents and the excellent
“Productions with professionals are awesome Hietala and from Soile Isokoski to Erja Lyytinen. Kuopio Symphony Orchestra.
LIFELONG MUSIC EDUCATION experiences for students. They can participate
in real working life projects during their studies LOVE STORY OF MARIA AND TONY
Operating mainly in the Music and get a taste of professional TO BE STAGED IN KUOPIO
Centre, the Kuopio Conser working methods and sched-
vatory is the biggest music and
Many international ules”, says Head of Culture Sari One of the outcomes of cross-institution- “We have all treaded our own paths, inspired by
dance school in Finland. It is musicians have Mokkila-Karttunen from the al collaboration is the West Side Story musical, the example of others. It is important for profes-
possible to study music from Savonia University of Applied produced by the Conservatory, the Symphony sionals to serve as role models for younger gen-
early childhood all the way to recorded music there. Sciences. Orchestra, the Music Centre and the Savonia erations. Our collaboration also gives the citizens
the highest vocational degrees “Kuopio has a long history of University of Applied Sciences. The full-length of Kuopio a chance to see brilliant performances,
under one roof. As an adult, you can continue the cooperation. The partners trust each other and symphony version will premiere in May 2021. such as West Side Story just the way composer
hobby in the ranks of the senior orchestra Senk- take responsibility for their share of the project. “I wanted the collaborative project to be a piece Bernstein meant it”, Tikkanen continues.
ka at the Open Conservatory. Music can also be They do not throw in the towel immediately if that would also be a challenge to a professional or- More of Kuopio’s historical cultural ambition
studied in the music classes of comprehensive something does not succeed, but the projects chestra”, says conductor of the production Rauno should be seen in January 2022 when an opera
schools or Lumit, Kuopio Senior High School of are all about learning and enjoying things togeth- Tikkanen, Senior Lecturer of Orchestra and Cham- about Minna Canth will have its premiere on the
Arts. er”, Mokkila-Karttunen continues. ber Music at Savonia University of Applied Sciences. stage of the Music Centre.
34 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL 35Virtuoso Violinist
Lila Watanabe:
“The Audience is
Culture Shock – and
the Best Part of My Job” How Good It Feels
Lila Watanabe is a violinist born in Japan who has
played in the United States and around the world
for a long time before moving from Chicago to
Kuopio in 2016. She is the Concertmaster of
the Kuopio Symphony Orchestra. Ever since the days of Minna Canth, the city’s renowned writer and
social influencer in the late 1800s, Kuopio has recognized the versatile positive
TEXT ELINA KALLASAARI
P H OTO K U O P I O M U S I C C E N T R E
effects that cultural experiences can enable. The selection of cultural venues and
events is wide; the more conventional museums, theatres, movies and music
festivals are joined by quite exceptional and creative cultural services.
Watanabe is delighted by the versa- “What I love the most about my job “Classical music and orchestras
tile settings that Kuopio provides for is that I get to provide many kinds of have incredible fan audiences in Ja- TEXT TIMO MANSIKKA-AHO
P H OTO K U O P I O C O M E DY F E S T I VA L , W I L L E M A R K K A N E N
cultural events, from various concert music and entertainment to the peo- pan, similar to pop and rock artists.
halls to Peräniemen Kasino surround- ple of Kuopio and beyond. It gives me The enthusiasm of the fans is almost
ed by nature and the open-air stages the greatest joy to meet people on unreal. It would be fun to see more
in the harbour and the market square. wild fans here as well.” There is the ANTI Contemporary Art idea of Juha Jylhäsalmi, Director of “There was a certain charm of nov-
She has also noticed that the city However, concerts are not neces- Festival, Dance Theatre Minimi and Kuopio Comedy Festival. He cycled elty that both the audience and I ex-
provides a wide range of opportuni- “Everybody seems to sarily only for classical music lovers. its street performances, and plenty perienced”, Vesterinen recalls. “The
ties to study music. “It can be interesting for the au- of others that show that culture is, at script was rough, the setup bare; it
“Everybody seems to be playing an be playing an instrument dience to just sit back and watch its best, a thing that lives and devel- turned out to be an eye-opening ex-
instrument in this town. The patience professional musicians in action or ops with the audience.
It turned out perience for everyone.”
in this town.”
and perseverance learned while prac- meditate while listening to the music. All it takes is a little thinking outside to be an eye-opening Vesterinen says that the muscle of
ticing provide a solid foundation for I would like everyone to try it at least the box, and new levels of enjoyment comedy is, in many ways, no differ-
life”, says the violinist. the street or in the public sauna, and once to see what an orchestral con- are suddenly within reach. For exam- experience for everyone. ent from other muscles: it has to be
Watanabe compares the work of they tell me how they have enjoyed cert is like.” ple, have you ever considered attend- trained using a versatile routine, with
an orchestral musician to archaeol- the concerts.” ing a stand-up show in the middle of various kinds of stimuli. The versatile
ogy, where the long history of music There are some things that the forest? through local forests, found the per- offering of the cultural scene in Kuo-
is recreated piece by piece and made Watanabe would like to bring to Kuo- That is what comedian Teemu fect location – and set up a show that pio provides a suitable session for
visible to the audience. pio from the rest of the world. Vesterinen arranged, based on the became an instant success. every taste.
36 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL 37You can also read
