WOMEX plans first Finnish visit

WOMEX has announced Tampere in Finland as its destination for 2019. The world music expo will head to the Southern Finnish city from 23-27 October.

It will mark the 25th edition of WOMEX, organised by Berlin-based Piranha Arts. The Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, City of Tampere, Visit Tampere and Music Finland have signed on as co-hosts.

Tampere is known for its natural beauty, with two large lakes to the north and south of the city. Further, it hosts over 30 music festivals each year.

Commented Finnish accordionist Kimmo Pohjonen: “My solo showcase at WOMEX 1999 in Berlin was more than winning a lottery. It created a lot of interest around the World, and the gigs that followed made it possible for me to fully concentrate on composing and performing my own music. It is fantastic to have WOMEX finally in Finland. I believe it can provide similar possibilities to other Finnish artists for an international breakthrough.”

The 2018 edition of WOMEX runs from 24-28 October in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

womex.com