The male choir Laulun Ystävät is a forward-looking choir with roots deeply embedded in the cultural landscape of Southwest Finland.

Laulun Ystävät was founded in 1914 and gave its first concert in spring 1915. Over the course of more than a hundred years, more than 800 singers have performed in its ranks, and its repertoire includes around 500 works. The association maintains several ensembles ranging from quartets to a full choir, and also forms project choirs that invite other choirs and singers to participate.

LY began the New Year reception tradition at Turku Cathedral in 1924 (most recently held in 2019). The May Day morning performance at the Art Museum – a tradition even a few years older – and the Declaration of Christmas Peace at the Old Great Square are among the choir’s annual public performances. In addition, LY gives approximately three concerts each year.

The choir’s Artistic Director is Nikke Isomöttönen, and the choir conductor is Pekka Salminen.