Taking part in Ancient Week in Heinävesi (Finland) 2026 was an exceptionally inspiring and enriching artistic experience for me. I was particularly impressed by the diversity of concert formats and by the special connection between music and nature. Some performances took place in beautiful settings by the lake or in the forest. This created not only a unique atmosphere, but also fascinating acoustic conditions that strongly influenced the way the music was perceived.

What fascinated me most was the combination of different musical approaches. Elements of folk music and traditional melodies were brought together with free improvisation, contemporary composition techniques, and modern musical forms. This encounter between tradition and the present opened up new perspectives and demonstrated how alive and flexible traditional music can be. Singing, different instrumental combinations, theatrical elements, and contemporary forms of performance were also integrated into the festival programme.

I myself had the opportunity to give a presentation on interdisciplinary composition. This led to very interesting and stimulating discussions about the connections between folk music, contemporary music, and modern choreography. One of the most exciting questions was how different artistic disciplines can enter into dialogue with one another, and how traditional musical material can be transformed and placed into new contemporary contexts.

I also had the opportunity to participate in an improvisation concert involving a variety of instruments and voices. The spontaneous interaction between the performers created an open and dynamic musical process. For me, it was particularly interesting to explore how modern musical techniques and free improvisation can be combined with elements of folk music and traditional musical forms.

The audience responded with great interest and openness. The international composition of the participants, representing different countries, cultures, and artistic backgrounds, made the festival a particularly valuable place for exchange and dialogue. I found this cultural diversity one of the most important aspects of the entire event.

Ancient Week demonstrates in an impressive way how tradition and contemporary artistic practice can be brought together. At the same time, the festival highlights the importance of cultural exchange and communication between people from different countries and backgrounds. At a time when international understanding, openness, and mutual respect are especially important, I consider such an event a very meaningful and forward-looking iinitiative.

Mark Pogolski

Mark Pogolski is the professor of interdisciplinary arts in the University of Music and Theatre in Münich, Germany.