WELCOME TO #UNM25
GREETINGS FROM THE PRODUCERS
When the three of us came together three years ago, we had no idea what lay ahead. The Ung Nordisk Musik (UNM) 2025 festival felt so far away—yet already, there was so much to do! The work we’ve done over these past years has been deeply rewarding, not only in bringing this festival to life but in forming a beautiful friendship—one enriched by the vibrant community of UNMers we’ve had the joy of laughing and growing with.
For those new to UNM: Ung Nordisk Musik is a contemporary music festival for young Nordic and Baltic composers and sound artists. Now celebrating its 79th year in Helsinki, it’s one of the oldest festivals of its kind in the world. This year, we’re thrilled to present the works of 37 composers, including six world premieres created through our Artist-in-Residence program this past spring.
But even that doesn’t quite capture what UNM truly is: a uniquely special community of composers and artists working together to build a more resilient, forward-looking art. That’s how we arrived at our theme — PREPARTY — a celebration of anticipation, excitement, and preparation. It’s an invitation to embrace and enjoy all the meaningful moments that come before. (And yes, it’s also a cheeky move to steal a bit of thunder from next year’s 80th—yes, 80th!—anniversary in Copenhagen.)
This theme also sparked deeper conversations about the future of art music—about the energy we want to bring and the people we hope to reach. We wanted to shape a festival that feels open, joyful, and relevant, rather than overly formal or intimidating.
We’re so grateful for the incredible collaborations that made this festival possible—with some of Finland’s leading music ensembles, including EMO Ensemble, Uusinta Ensemble, Tapiola Sinfonietta, NYKY Ensemble, and AVANTI! Chamber Orchestra. We also thank Teater Viirus, University of the Arts Helsinki, our financial supporters, our festival team, our fellow UNM board members , our all-star lineup of composers and artists—and, of course, our wonderful audience.
xxxx luv xxxx,
Veera Leinonen, Marianne Sihvonen, Stephen Webb
Curators and Producers of the 79th UNM Festival