Performer of the Year
Finlandia Foundation National launched the Performer of the Year (POY) program in 1996 to assist undiscovered artists and gain exposure for entertaining programs related to Finnish and Finnish-American culture. FFN chapters are invited to host the POY for the enrichment and enjoyment of their members and guests.
Most of the performers selected have been singers or instrumentalists, although we have had a few other talents, such as our 2024 POY actor and comedian Miska Kajanus. The POY may possess any talent that appeals to a range of ages and is consistent with the goals of the FFN.
Ruut
Ruut DeMeo (artist name, Ruut) is a Finnish-born, multidisciplinary artist whose work as a musician, author, and educator celebrates the transformative power of creativity and cultural heritage. Known for two decades in Baltimore as the city’s beloved “piano girl,” she has released nine independent albums and performed internationally. Ruut brings her powerful piano performance and moving vocals as Finlandia Foundation’s 2026 Performer of the Year, drawing from Finnish heritage and mythology to create performances that bridge past and present.
PAST POY (2025) – CHARLOTTE LOUKOLA
Charlotte Loukola is a Finnish-American violinist who holds an MM in Violin Performance from both The Juilliard School and Sibelius Academy. She earned her BM at the Cleveland Institute of Music with a minor in Business Management from Case Western Reserve University. Charlotte is an assistant concertmaster in the Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular Orchestra and performs with the Palm Beach Opera and South Florida Symphony Orchestras. An accomplished chamber musician, she frequently performs at Carnegie Hall and collaborates with contemporary composers. She also performs on the baroque violin.
PAST POY (2024) – MISKA KAJANUS
Miska Kajanus, a Finnish-American actor, comedian, musician and filmmaker from Finland, now based in Los Angeles, is Finlandia Foundation’s Performer of the Year for 2024.
PAST POY (2023) – IDA METSBERG
FFN Performers of the Year have shared a variety of talents with audiences across the U.S. since the program was established 1996. Singer/songwriter Ida Metsberg was POY 2023.