Sari Kaasinen is a musician, mother and grandmother, composer and lyricist. Doctor of Music, teacher and artist, entrepreneur and cultural tourism expert.

Värttinä, Finland’s most successful folk music ensemble, is Kaasinen’s life’s work. Värttinä celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023. Gold, platinum, Emma award, its own star in the Walk of Fame, included in the Fame Music Museum and several world tours.

Värttinä was founded in 1983 at the Kaasinen family’s farmhouse table. After Värttinä, Kaasinen’s successful solo career took her around Finland as the frontman of the Otava band. Kaasinen’s music encompasses different phases of life, from reminiscent songs of joy to wistful feelings of separation. In addition to various types of kantele, a two-stringed accordion and sometimes, in special situations, a violin are also suitable.

Kaasinen currently performs not only as a soloist but also as one of three musicians in the Set’Akat ensemble. Together with Kaasinen, Mari Kaasinen and Karoliina Kantelinen, who are familiar from Värttinä, sing and play in Set’Akat.

Kaasinen completed her doctorate in the cradle singing tradition at the Folk Music Department of the Sibelius Academy. While studying lullabies, Kaasinen noticed how the words and melodies flowed as if by themselves. “The emptier the mind is of thoughts, the more effortlessly a song is born, living in and of the moment.”