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 current 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.
CHARLOTTE LOUKOLA
Charlotte Loukola, a Finnish-American violinist with a Master of Music from both Juilliard and Sibelius Academy, brings her versatile talent—spanning classical to easy-listening music—to weddings, corporate events, and her role as Finlandia Foundation’s 2025 Performer of the Year.
MISKA KAJANUS – 2024 POY
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.