Finland

Konserttikeskus

Konserttikeskus ry (Concert Centre in English, Konsertcentral rf in Swedish) is a non-profit association established in 1963. Its aim is to arrange tours of high-quality concert programmes in a wide variety all over Finland, mainly in public schools and kindergartens but the activities also include official concerts. Konserttikeskus also creates own concert productions and develops new forms and concepts for musicians to meet children and young people.

In addition to concerts, music related workshops and lectures are an important part of the activities.

Konserttikeskus is funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and the Finnish Performing Music Promotion Centre as well as some minor sources. Konserttikeskus will have an annual expenditure of over 800 000 EUR in 2010.

CONTACT

The number of organized concerts and other events will exceed 1200 in 2010, with 180 000 - 200 000 children taking part in the activities of the association.

Konserttikeskus started the pilot project "Concert to every school" in 2008 following the Norwegian and Danish school concert models, and during 2010-11 season over 80 000 school children in about 50 municipalities will take part in it. The state's Finland Art Award was conferred to the project in November 2009.
Konserttikeskus also organizes festivals every 3 years and occasionally produces recordings.

It currently has two full-time employees and two working part-time. Konserttikeskus employs some 200 professional musicians annually.

Concert Centre has had co-operation with other European countries, and is a member of the Nordic Network for School Concerts (NNS).