Loituma

Sari Kauranen, Anita Lehtola, Timo Väänänen, Hanni-Mari Turunen

Short biography of Loituma: Loituma is a young quartet who combine the Finnish vocal tradition with the exquisite sounds of the kantele (Finnish harp). At ease with four-part unaccompanied vocals as well as four-part kantele instrumentals, Loituma were selected Band of the Year at the 1997 Kaustinen Folkmusic Festival.
The original lineup included singers Sanna Kurki-Suonio and Tellu Paulasto, who later left for Sweden to join Hedningarna. Anita Lehtola is now a member of Hedningarna, as well.
Loituma are:
Sari Kauranen - kanteles, singing
Anita Lehtola - singing, 5-string kantele
Timo Väänänen - kanteles, singing
Hanni-Mari Turunen - singing, fiddle, 5-string kantele, alto recorder, double bass, Lapin drum.