Sari Kaasinen

Sari Kaasinen is a foundational figure in Finnish folk music, best known as the co-founder and longtime leader of the groundbreaking group Värttinä. Hailing from the Karelia region, she helped spark Finland's folk revival in the 1980s by blending ancient runo-song traditions with modern energy. Her work with Värttinä – characterized by powerful female vocals, pulsating rhythms, and reinvented folk instruments – became Finland's cultural calling card, even influencing "The Lord of the Rings" film soundtracks. While she stepped back from frontline performing in the 2000s, recent releases like *Sarin joulu* (her folk-tinged Christmas album) and *Aika Riemulle Ruveta* prove she's still deeply connected to Finland's musical roots. Kaasinen's legacy extends beyond music – she's a keeper of oral traditions and a mentor to new generations of folk artists.