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City of Experiences
Asukkaita kaupunginlahden rannalla

City of Experiences

Joni Pietiläinen

“Smooth everyday life and diverse culture”

The cultural producer Joni Pietiläinen, who has lived in Uusikaupunki for a year now, immediately fell in love with the city’s wooden house culture. The cosy and compact city eventually attracted him so much that he and his spouse ended up settling in its gentle embrace for good.

In his new hometown, Joni values the smoothness of everyday life in particular – the short distances and the relaxed atmosphere. When time is not spent waiting in queues and traffic jams, there is more leisure time.

“There are plenty of leisure activities, including the town cinema, varied culture and nice countryside to explore. The sawdust track in Sorvakko is probably the best I’ve ever run on,” he says.

One of the highlights of the cultural producer’s career is the Crusell Week in July, and Joni hopes that as many people as possible will come and listen to its fine music offering.

“Crusell Week is a great example of how diverse the field of classical music can be. In addition to traditional chamber music, there are also great modern concerts to attend. One of the gems of the upcoming Crusell Week will surely be a cabaret called Berlin by Night held at Janhua barracks, Joni Pietiläinen says.


Ida Kallioinen

“The Night of the Lanterns is the highlight of summer”

The Voice of Finland singer Ida Kallioinen praises her hometown as a safe place to grow up. “Musicality and other hobbies have been appreciated and encouraged in this active city,” says Ida.

“I was in a music-oriented class and have also taken various shorter performance courses. Following my mother, I found theatre and started acting and singing. I guess you could say I grew up in a home that embraces culture.”

In addition to working as a tyre mechanic, Ida also has time to give riding lessons at the Wasaborg stable and to do singing gigs. Especially in the summer, she is also happy to participate in events organised in Uusikaupunki.

”I love it when warehouse restaurants have live music almost every day during the summer. And obviously you have to go to Karjurock every year,” Ida says.

One of the highlights of her summer is the Night of the Lanterns organised during Crusell Week in Vallinmäki. In the dusk of a summer evening, a picnic with friends is accompanied by atmospheric music – this year’s event will feature artful country music from The Shit Kickers, for example.

“The Night of the Lanterns always has good music, a lovely atmosphere and lots of acquaintances. I always really look forward to it,” smiles Ida.


Heikki Valsta

“Crusell Week offers holistic experiences”

Heikki Valsta, a long-standing music journalist, calls himself an adopted citizen of Uusikaupunki, as he has spent there so many holidays with his grandparents ever since he was a child. Since then, the summers have passed at the family’s summer home on the island of Hattukari.

“As soon as we get the boat in the water, we start visiting Uusikaupunki every week,” says Valsta.

During the Crusell Week, the boat speeds between the mainland and the island particularly often. Heikki has been familiar with the music week since the late 80s due to his job, and is an avid concert-goer.

“The charm of Crusell Week has to do not only with the great musical offering, but also with the special maritime milieu of Uusikaupunki. The proximity of Kaupunginlahti, the city’s summer vibe and the music focused on woodwind groups create a fantastical tone for the event,” he adds.

Heikki has enjoyed dozens if not hundreds of Crusell concerts. “Interesting new concert venues and fascinating events form a great foundation for a unique music festival,” says Heikki.

“Every year, Crusell Week offers special events that you won’t find anywhere else. In addition, I like that here you never have to pretend or show off – you can come just as you are,” concludes Heikki.


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