It all started in 1980
The first Naantali Music Festival was held in 1980 on the initiative of Professor Arto Noras and with a strong support of the City of Naantali. It has from the very beginning been strongly oriented towards chamber music. The very first concert, of music by Mozart, Vivaldi and Brahms, was in Naantali Church.
Our history in figures
In those 40 seasons Naantali Music Festival has provided performance venues for 692 chamber musicians, 58 conductors, 58 orchestras, 47 chamber music ensembles, and 31 choirs and vocal ensembles, performing nearly 3,000 works at nearly 1,000 concerts to a combined audience of about half a million concertgoers.
Commitment, warmth and love
Arto Noras was the artistic director of the festival more than 40 years, from the year 1980 until summer 2022, when Elina Vähälä began her period as the new artistic director. During that time, the festival has had four executive directors—today referred to as CEOs. Tiina Tunturi’s 23-year tenure ended in November 2020, when Suvi Innilä began as the new CEO. Emma Anttila assumed the position of CEO in November 2024. The Chairs of the Supervisory Board and Board of Directors are also long serving. The music festivals have always been prepared with strong commitment and great warmth and love.
Patron: The President of the Republic
The President of the Republic, Alexander Stubb, serves as the patron of the Naantali Music Festival, continuing a tradition that spans decades. Held in Naantali, the summer town of the presidents, since 1980, the event has had the honor of having the sitting President of the Republic serve as its patron—beginning with President Kekkonen.
46th festival
In summer 2026, the 46th festival will take place from 4–13 June 2026 now for the fourth time under the artistic direction of Elina Vähälä. The programme features 20 magnificent concerts in idyllic settings, with around 200 performers.
