Emmi Kuittinen

Emmi Kuittinen is a singer and folk musician who has specialised in Karelian tradition and lamenting in particular. She has earned both a master’s degree from Sibelius Academy and a degree in music pedagogy in the University of Applied Sciences. 

Kuittinen has performed solo laments in diverse events varying from art exhibition openings, demonstrations and dinner parties to her own concerts. In the autumn of 2020, Kuittinen published the album Itken ja laulan (I lament and sing, available at spotify) with the Ikuinen Ikävä Orchestra (Eternal Longing Orchestra). The album, which incorporated lamenting, was nominated for the Ethno-Album of the year prive in the National Emma Awards gala. Kuittinen established the Ikuinen Ikävä Orchestra in 2017 for the three day-long performance ‘Death Rite’. Her laments have also been heard on the Suruvesi album of Project Vainiolla Ensemble, where the laments were communing with the compositions of pianist Kalle Vainio.

Kuittinen has combined laments with other art forms; such as dance with Rajamailla Company and modern circus art with Tupacircus. In Ilon ja Surun Club, a Club for Joy and Sadness, she combined lamenting with comedy, collaborating with stand-up comedian Miska Kajanus. Kuittinen has been part of many folk music ensembles and alongside  artistic work, she has instructed lamenting and worked as a community musician and folk singing teacher.