Pekka Nättinen from Jyväskylä's Children's Music Orchestra Loiskis received the Children's Music Composer of the Year award at the Jellona Gala. The ceremony honored outstanding contributors to Finnish children's music during the annual Children's Music Day celebrations. This marked the eighth time organizers held the event that highlights Finland's commitment to musical education.
The awards ceremony took place in Oulu, which currently holds the Children's Music Capital designation. The city hosted celebration concerts and a children's music seminar alongside the gala. Multiple artists and organizations received recognition for their contributions to children's music.
Other award winners included the children's music band Soiva Siili and Riitta Korpela, who received Lifetime Achievement Awards. Oulun Lastenmusiikki ry earned Children's Music Act of the Year honors. The group Äxyt Zeeprat won Newcomer of the Year, while Päistikka received Artist or Band of the Year recognition.
Mimmien Puhuri, pakkasen poika won Children's Album of the Year. Funky Monkey Club's Suihkiva susi received Children's Song of the Year honors. Organizers announced Kangasala as the next Children's Music Capital, continuing the tradition of rotating this designation among Finnish cities.
Finland maintains a strong tradition of supporting children's music education through both public and private initiatives. The country's music education system consistently ranks among Europe's best. These awards demonstrate Finland's ongoing commitment to nurturing young musical talent.
Children's music represents a vital component of Finnish cultural policy. Government support combines with private organizations to create numerous opportunities for young musicians. This ecosystem helps explain why Finland produces such a high number of successful musical artists relative to its population size.
The awards ceremony highlights how Finland prioritizes cultural education from early childhood. This approach contributes to the country's strong international reputation in both music education and children's welfare policies. The recognition of diverse artists shows the breadth of Finland's children's music scene.
International observers often look to Finnish children's music programs as models for effective arts education. The country's systematic approach to musical training from young ages has produced measurable results in both cultural development and educational outcomes. These awards celebrate the individuals and organizations making this system work effectively year after year.