Opening

To commemorate the Opening of the notable 25th-anniversary edition of WOMEX, this year four top-notch Finnish acts will be performing at the Arctic Fire - Pohjoiset tulet opening concert.

This year's Opening artists are: Pauanne, a power trio described as folk fiction, who incorporate archive recordings from the last 100 years into their new folk-grit sound; Pekko Käppi, a Finnish folk music composer, singer and jouhikko (ancient Finnish bowed lyre); Suistamon Sähkö, a folktronica act with a pinch of folk poetry, rap and manic dance moves; and Vildá, a duo that is a blend of indigenous Sámi yoik.

The concert is staged and directed by internationally-noted choreographer and dancer Kaari Martin, together with composer, musician, producer Roni Martin, renowned for their ensemble Compañía Kaari & Roni Martin.