In 1955, a group of young musicians published a manifesto titled ‘Alarm over the unsustainable state of our musical culture’ (Hälytys musiikkikulttuurimme kestämättömän tilanteen johdosta). Reading it today is fascinating. Many of the issues it identified have since been resolved, yet some of its insights remain strikingly relevant.
One of the manifesto’s critiques was aimed at the obsession with numbers within the music scene. Phrases like “thousands of choirs” or “the thirtieth edition” are often used to signal prestige, yet quantity reveals little about quality.
In its own anniversary year, FMQ not only celebrates other institutions reaching milestones but also turns a critical eye on the very nature of anniversaries. As violinist Linda Suolahti notes in an article by Auli Särkiö-Pitkänen, celebrations are preceded by active choices: “What is the reason for something to get recognised? Often the composer or musician who is getting attention already has it, and people are hoping, often unconsciously, that their projects will benefit from that visibility in attracting audiences.” Recognition tends to circle around the same familiar names whose fame keeps reinforcing itself.
FMQ’s own active choice highlights two anniversaries in particular. In his article, Wif Stenger marks the 200th anniversary of braille by profiling Joose Ojala, composer, accordionist and Finland’s first braille music teacher, who works tirelessly to expand opportunities for music students and performers with visual impairments. Matti Nives, meanwhile, sits down with Juhani ‘Junnu’ Aaltonen, the jazz legend celebrating his 90th birthday.
The challenge of choice was perhaps most evident when putting together the FMQ Playlist. Curated by Santeri Kaipiainen, the 20-track list honours 31 composers, performers and institutions celebrating anniversaries this year. The list could easily have been three or four times longer.
While writing this editorial, I realised the irony that the young musicians’ manifesto is also marking a milestone anniversary this year.
Featured photo: E.M. Staf (Vapriikin kuva-arkisto)