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Our Events
Movies
Finnish movies have won awards! We often hold a movie night featuring a film from Finland or about Finland. Movies are in the English language or in Finnish with English subtitles. Followed by coffee and pulla, of course!
Concerts
Finland has a special affinity for music and boasts the world famous Sibelius academy. We have hosted many acclaimed Finnish artists, introducing them to Ottawa and to Canada. We have greatly appreciated the support we have had from both the Embassy of Finland to Canada and the Finland Society (Suomi Seura) to produce these wonderful concerts.
Holidays
There are certain days which Finns celebrate around the world and there are special cultural traditions around some of the holidays that are shared with the world. We always celebrate Joulu (Christmas). We celebrate Vappu (April 30th), Finland's carnival-like take on International Labour Day. We have celebrated Juhannus, the Finnish midsummer, with a barbeque and an invitation to other Nordics to join us. And there are other holidays we are keen to explore!
Other
We typically round out our event calendar with some other social, educational, and/or cultural events. We have had bowling tournaments which challenge the other Nordic countries. We have had lectures on the Kalevala, Finland's iconic national epic. We have had pulla baking classes. And we have had trivia nights which test participants knowledge of Finland. We also co-sponsor or support events with other Nordic organizations and withthe Embassy of Finland in Ottawa.
Upcoming Events
Past Events
2024
Friday September 20th, A social gathering for afternoon coffee in Tuulikki's home garden.
Saturday June 22, Co-hosted, along with the Canadian Nordic Society, an in-person celebration of Middsummer/Juhannus.
Saturday May 31st, Promotion of Kanata Symphony "Just Vibres and Orchestra" concert featuring the world premiere of Jan Jarvleep's vibraphone concerto.
Tuesday May 14th, Pulla baking demonstration by RaiJa Hilska on Zoom.
Saturday May 11th, Promotion of Alliance Francaise Ottawa, Eurovision watch party.
Saturday April 27th, Promotion of a concert by the Ottawa Chamber Orchestra "In Ola Valley" that included Sibelius's Finlandia and Karelia Suite.
Monday April 15th, A Zoom talk by Peter Suomela on Finland;s early History.
Tuesday March 26th, Promoted a St. Andrews Presbyterian, Music as Sanctuary concert featuring the SISU Ensemble.
Sunday March 24th, Promoted the Finnish Palm Sunday service and St. Peters Lutheran Church.
Monday February 5th, A Zoom talk by board members of the Sointula Museum (Malcolm Island, British Columbia) about the early 1900's Finnish settlers.
Wednesday January 24th, Annual General Meeting on Zoom.
2023
Wednesday November 22nd, Promoted the The European Union Film Festival movie presentation of Rap and Reindeer (Revontulten räppäri) at the Ottawa Art Gallery: Alma Duncan Salon.
Wednesday November 15th, Promoted the UQAM Zoom talk on Border Politics in Uncertain Times: the Case of Finland.
November 2nd and 3rd, Promoted the National Arts Centre Orchestra concert "Storgårds conducts Sibelius" The program was Einojuhani Rautavaara's Cantus Arcticus, Roope Mäenpää’s “Luovus” Symphony, and Sibelius's Symphony No. 3
Monday October 30th, Nordic Walking A Zoom presentation by Marja-Leena Keast.
Monday September 18th, KOTi 28 A Zoom presentation by Owner Angie MacCrae
Friday May 12th, My story A Zoom presentation by Artist Kaija Savinainen
Tuesday April 25th, A Zoom presentation by Irina Ilmokari’s third book – "Finnish-Canadian Social Club & Theatre Life Celebrating 90 Years"
Tuesday February 28, A Zoom presentation by Taria van Weesenbeek on Kaarina Brooks’ “Translating Kalevala.” Available from Wisteria Publications.
Friday January 27, Annual General Meeting on Zoom.
2022
Wednesday December 9th, A Zoom talk “Interweaving Fact and Fiction: Writing About Finnish History" by Lisa Kovala
Thursday June 24th, Some members of CFF were attending the Traditional Nordic Midsummer Celebration at the Residence of the Swedish Ambassador.
Tuesday June 14th, A Zoom presentation by Laura Kehusmaa (Coordinator for Public policy and Communications at the Embassy of Finland) on Finnish Politics
Tuesday April 28th. A Zoom presentation by Jan Järvlepp on Jean Sibelius, Finland's National Composer.
Thursday March 24th, A Zoom presentation by Irina Ilmokari on her book From Lumber Camps to Corporate Corridors -- Finnish Immigrant Stories from the Toronto Area
Monday February 28th, A Zoom presentation by Professor Börje Vähämäki on the Kalevala, The Finnish National epos.
Tuesday January 25th, Promorted Icelandic Canadian Club of Toronto Zoom presentation Nordic Nights: Tove a film by Zaida Bergroth.
2021
Thursday December 16th, Virtual Joulu Event on Zoom. Christmas sing-a-long.
Wednesday December 8th, Canadian Nordic Society invites CFF members to its' Christmas Cozy on Zoom.
Tuesday November 30th, Annual General Meeting on Zoom
Wednesday October 27th, A Zoom presentation by Veli Niinimaa: The Making of "Accomplished Finnish-Canadians"
Tuesday June 29th, The Threads of My Finnish Heritage:,a Zoom lecture by Gillian Schultze
Tuesday June 8th, Zoom lecture: “Scandinavian Choral Traditions” by Kari Turunen, irtistic Director of the Vancouver Chamber Choir
Tuesday May 25th, A Zoom lecture by Kathleen Tipton “Architecture Indigenous to the Arctic”
Saturday May 15th, Promoted Finnish Expatriate Parliament - Canada region, Annual General Meeting.
Friday May 11th, Promoted Finnish speakers who would like to participate in a reading programme for children, the Office of the Commissioner of Yukon has provided an opportunity.. Books may be read in Finnish!
Tuesday March 23rd, A Zoom talk by Ambassador Roy Eriksson "The Role of Women in Finnish Society--the Secret of the World's Happiest Nation."
Sunday February 28th, A Zoom talk about the book "Hard Work Conquers All", It is a social history of Finnish immigration and community building in Canada during the twentieth century.
2020
Saturday December 19th, A Zoom Joulu Sing-a-long.
Tuesday November 24th, Annual General Meeting on Zoom
Wednesday March 25th, Promoted the first concert conducted by Finnish born conductor John Storgård's with the National Arts Centre Orchestra.
Tuesday March 3rd, In person Kantele Demonstration and Lecture by Dr. Outi Linnaranta. At the Rockcliffe Park Community Centre.
Friday February 21st, Promoted Baltic/Nordic Film Festival presentation of the Finnish film Aurora at the Ottawa Art Gallery, Alma Duncan Salon
Tuesday January 28th, Promoted Dominion-Chalmers United Church Tuesdays at Noon concert series featuring organist Ian Bevell's “Scandinavian Journey”
Thursday January 16th, Promotion of the Canadian Nordics Societies “Viking Gala 2019” Celebrating the 400th anniversary of Jens Monk's explorations in Canada.
2019
Thursday December 15th, Promoted the Embassy of Finland Independence Day of the Republic of Finland at the Official residence.
Tuesday December 10th. Joulujuhla 2019 in person celebration at Das Lokal restaurant.
Friday November 15th, CFF Fall Concert: Musical Journey through Europe at St. Andrews Presbyterian. Soprano Emili Paananen-Losier and pianist Aude Urbancic
Tuesday October 29th, Annual General Meeting and Movie Night. Armi elää! (Armi Alive!). The film is based on the life of Finnish entrepreneur Armi Ratia through the years 1949 to 1968 when she founded the textile and clothing company Marimekko
Friday September27th, Promoted the National Arts Centre Orchestra concert featuring Finnish born conductor John Storgårds and Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto
Friday June 7th, A Musical Treat from Iceland, An evening of Icelandic songs and popular opera arias with Icelandic mezzo-soprano Hanna Dora Sturfudottir and pianist Snorri Sigfus Birgiisson.at St, Andrews Presbyterian church.
Tuesday April 30th, Vappu celebration at The Navy Mess (Crow’s Nest) with a presentation by Finnish Ambassador
Saturday March 23rd, Promoting Finland's entry into the annual Bright Nights Film Festival. Hobbyhorse Revolution. It is both a funny and moving film about teenagers with growing pains, who find their voice and talent through riding and grooming hobbyhorses. Taking place at the Ottawa Art Gallery, Alma Duncan Salon
Monday January 28th, Annual General Meeting and Film Night, Aleksis Kiven elämä (The Life of Aleksis Kiven). At the Rockcliffe Park Community Centre.
2018
Monday December 18th, Joulujuhla 2018 in person celebration at Das Lokal restaurant.
Thursday June 7th, A concert by soprano Kinne Sandtrø: “Favourite Arias” She is the 2018 winner of the prestigious Jenny Lind scholarship. She will be accompanied by noted pianist Julia Sjöstedt. Taking place at St. Andrews Presbyterian.
Saturday April 21st. Promoting Masters graduation concert by soprano Emili Paananen-Losier at the University of Ottawa, Tabaret Hall.
Sunday March 25th,Promoting Finnish Easter Service at .St. Peters Lutheran Church.
Saturday March 24th, Promoting Capital Chamber Choir performance of Rautavaara's Vigil. Taking place at St. Josephs church.
Saturday March 17th, Promoting Finland's contributing file “Miami” at the Bright Nites 2018. The 8th Baltic-Nordic Film Festival at Arts Court Theatre.
Monday March 12th, St Urho Celebration! at Das Lokal restaurant.
Saturday March 3rd, Promoting EVA-Trio concert Laulumme-Our Song, Helsinki-based EVA-trio consists of three musicians: Essi Wuorela (vocals) who is also well-known member of the Rajaton acapella music group, Anna-Karin Korhonen (kantele) and Vesa Norilo (cello). Taking place at Carleton-Dominion-Chalmers Centre.
Thursday January 25, Promotion of Canadian Nordic Society's Gala celebrating Finland s 100th anniversary.
2017
Sunday December 10h, Promotion of Finnish Christmas Service at St Peter's Lutheran Church
Friday December 8th thru December 14th. Promotion of the Finnish film Toivon tuolla puolen (The Other Side of Hope) at the Bytowne Cinema
Friday December 8th, Joulujuhla, CFF Christmas Party--friends & Nordics welcome! A Finland 100 Ottawa event. At the Rockcliffe Park Community Centre.
Tuesday November 28th, Annual General Meeting and Movie Night. Fire and Ice the Winter War of Finland & Russia, A Finland 100 Ottawa event. At the Rockcliffe Park Community Centre.
Sunday November 26th, Promotion of Finnish Christmas Sing-Along, "Kauneimmat Joululaulut" At St Peter's Lutheran Church
Saturday November 25th, Promoting 32nd European Union Film Festival, Finland's film: Tyttö nimeltö Varpu, (Little Wing). At the National Gallery of Canada
Saturday, November 4th, Promotion of the Danish' Club's Annual Bazaar. At the Ron Kolbus Centre, Britannia Park.
Saturday October 21st, The Canadian Friends of Finland in Ottawa together with the Canadian Nordic Society is pleased to present a fall concert of “Nordic Favourites”. Performers include:Toronton Pelimannit Folk Ensemble, Soprano Shawne Elizabeth, Tenor Trygve Ringereide, Ottawa Finnish Singers, Pianist Cecilia Ignatieff. A Nordic salute to Finland's 100th Anniversary of Independence. Taking place at First Unitarian Church.
Wednesday October 18th, Promotion of Canadian Nordic Society speaker series. Finland's Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Vesa Lehtonen, will speak on " "Finland's 100th Anniversary - thoughts on the past and the future.". At the Army Officers' Mess.
Wednesday September 27th, Promoted Canadian Nordic Society's event Mannerheim at 150 and the Centennial of Finland. Baron Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim was a Finnish military leader and statesman who was voted the greatest Finn of all time. The talk will be given by CNS Past President Dr. Lennard Sillanpää, Docent in Political Science, University of Helsinki. Army Officers' Mess.
Wednesday September 27th, Promoted Doors Open for Music Series concert Salute to Finland. Celebrating Finland;s 100th anniversary. Music by Alfvén, Grieg, Merikanto, Sibelius and Sjöberg. At Southminster United Church.
Saturday June 25th, Celebrate Midsummer with Us!, Celebrating 100 years of Finland's independence. The all-you-can-eat barbeque will again be catered by The Butchery. We will have special decorations, some singing, and activities for children. The raffle prize is a 5-CD set featuring 100 years of Finnish music. At the Billings Estate (under the tent).
Wednesday June 7th, Promoted a “A CLASSICAL TREAT”, Ylva Stenberg, soprano and Allan Timofeitchik, pianist. A free summer concert with soprano Ylva Stenberg, 2017 winner of the prestigious Jenny Lind scholarship, accompanied by noted pianist Allan Timofeitchik. The program includes pieces by Alfvén, De Frumerie, Donizetti, Verdi, Strauss, Rachmaninoff and Mendelssohn. Sponsored by the Swedish Embassy and the Canadian Nordic Society. At MacKay United Church.
Saturday April 22nd, Centenary Concert: Finland Celebrated in Music featuring Emili Paananen-Losier, soprano and Thomas Annand, organist/pianist. At St Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
Tuesday April 4th, Promoted Canadian Nordic Society's “Scandinavian Night at the Senators”. The Ottawa Senators vs Detroit Red Wings.
Friday March 20th, Legend has it that St Urho saved the vineyards of Finland from a plague of grasshoppers. Let's drink to that!. St. Urho's at the Gastropub The Rowan. A night of good food and friendship. Finnish music will be on the sound system! There is a 3-course meal with selections to suit various tastes and diets.
Movies
Concerts
Classical Concert: Kuusisto & Djokic
In Concert: Topi Lehtipuu
Finland 100: Nordic Favourites
DuoKraft
Finland 100 Spring Concert
Women of the Kalevela
Spring Concert: Saario & Koistinen
Soinninkajo
Event Galleries
Click on any photo to enlarge it and view its caption. Hover over the right margin of an enlarged photo until an arrow appears. Click on the arrow to view the next photo in the Gallery in an enlarged view.
Through the Years....
Our Finland 100 Programs in Celebration of the Centenary of Finland
2017 was a big year for Finland. It had been 100 years ago that the Finns, after a long struggle, earned their independance. Over the last 100 years, and through hard times, the Finnish people built a country to be proud of. They face the next 100 years with the same courage and determination. The Prime Minister's Office established a domestic and international centenary program called Finland 100 to celebrate. CFF Ottawa was honoured to be part of that official program. We partnered with The Finnish School of Ottawa (OSKU) and the Canadian Nordic Society in Ottawa to deliver a series of events named Finland 100 Ottawa. Our contributory events included two concerts (Finland 100 Spring Concert and Nordic Favourites), a movie showing (Fire and Ice: The Winter War of Finland and Russia), and special celebrataory additions to our Juhannus and Joulujuhla events. We have provided below some photos of those events.
Copyright Canadian Friends of Finland Ottawa