Loituma

Loituma is a young quartet who combine the Finnish vocal tradition with the exquisite sounds of the kantele (Finnish harp). At ease with four-part unaccompanied vocals as well as four-part kantele instrumentals, Loituma was selected Band of the Year at the 1997 Kaustinen Folkmusic Festival. The original lineup included singers Sanna Kurki-Suonio and Tellu Paulasto, who later left for Sweden to join Hedningarna. Anita Lehtola is now a member of Hedningarna, as well. Current members: Sari Kauranen - kanteles, vocals Anita Lehtola - vocals, 5-string kantele Timo Väänänen - kanteles, vocals Hanni-Mari Turunen - vocals, fiddle, 5-string kantele, alto recorder, double bass, Lapin drum