Joutseno Art Summer Cuts Youth Music Courses Over Costs

The Joutseno Institute has decided to discontinue children's and youth music courses at its annual Joutseno Art Summer event beginning in summer 2026. This decision comes as these courses, which have been offered for many years, have become too costly to continue. The cancellation also includes instrument master classes that were part of the summer program. Maisa Välimäki, a nine-year-old harmonica player from Lappeenranta, will not be able to attend the courses next summer. She took part in the music program during the past two summers, where she practiced her instrument and formed friendships with other young musicians. She described the experience positively, saying, “You made friends there and got new ones. There was good food and fun things to do.” Parents and teachers involved in the program expressed surprise and disappointment at the announcement. They stated they had potential solutions to keep the courses running but were never asked for their input by the institute. The sudden removal of these long-standing educational and social opportunities has left families and educators concerned about the future of youth music activities at Joutseno Art Summer.