Lahti Organ Festival 2025
– Experience an organ concert that swings like crazy!
The 53rd Lahti Organ Festival will take place from August 4th to 10th, once again bringing an impressive line-up of high-quality organ concerts to the city.
Are you looking for a holistic cultural experience that resonates through your body, touches your soul, and leaves a lasting impression on your heart? An organ concert offers breathtaking sensations for all the senses!
This year, the Lahti Organ Festival revolves around two powerful themes: the 275th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s passing and the rhythmic world of jazz. Bach’s music boldly merges with improvisation, gospel and jazz interpretations, and big band arrangements — resulting in a dazzling festival week where classical and lighter music meet in a truly unique way.
The Organ Festival 2025 welcomes both devoted organ music enthusiasts and new listeners alike. An organ concert is no longer just about sitting quietly in a church pew — it is a moment where music creates experiences and offers a space for emotions, reflection, and a sense of community.
A diverse program offers something for everyone
The Organ Festival program offers something for everyone – from traditional organ masterpieces to energetic jazz interpretations. Festival venues include Ristinkirkko Church, Sibelius Hall, Vaahterasali, and Mukkula Church.
The festival week kicks off on Monday, August 4th with a public singing event at Lahti Market Square, followed by the “World Championships of Organ Pipe Precision Throwing.” So, it’s best to leave your seriousness at home!
In the evening, the festival’s Opening Concert will take place at Ristinkirkko, featuring organist Kalle Toivio and cellist-singer Seeli Toivio.
Throughout the week, organ music will take on many forms: on Tuesday, Lahti Big Band and organist Matti Hussi will join forces with the Hammond organ; on Wednesday, Mukkula Church will host Bach’s Coffee Cantata. On Thursday, the Lahti Gospel Choir and Gunnar Idenstam will take the stage at Sibelius Hall for a grand Bach & Jazz concert. On Friday, promising young organ soloists Eerik Ohtamaa and Aada Wirberg will perform in a concert dedicated to rising talents.The festival week concludes on Sunday, August 10th with a public Film Music Mass at Ristinkirkko, open to all.
Organ Concerts in the Spirit of J.S. Bach
It is often said that Johann Sebastian Bach’s (1685–1750) music “swings like crazy.” Bach was one of the most significant composers in the history of Western classical music. He spent the final years of his life as the cantor of St. Thomas Church in Leipzig.
The solid structure of Bach’s compositions allows them to be performed on a wide variety of instruments, and his works have long been at the heart of the organ repertoire. Bach’s music has also captivated jazz musicians, who have found inspiration in his structural brilliance and infectious rhythmic drive for their own arrangements.
This year’s Lahti Organ Festival concerts celebrate this dialogue by showcasing the versatility of Bach’s music – from his profound spiritual depth to his surprising rhythmic vitality and melodic charm.
Come with an open mind to the Lahti Organ Festival and experience an unforgettable organ concert that pulses with the spirit of Bach and the rhythms of jazz!