Finlandia Foundation National Performer of the Year Violinist Charlotte Loukola Spring Concert

Sunday, April 27, 2025 | Nordic Northwest

Join us for a captivating solo performance that takes audiences on a musical journey across the globe—from the United States to South America and Europe. Charlotte’s program showcases the violin’s versatility across genres, blending her artistry with personal storytelling.

Having studied at both Finland’s prestigious Sibelius Academy Youth Department and the renowned Juilliard School of Music in New York, Charlotte brings technical brilliance and heartfelt passion to the stage. The performance culminates in a tribute to her Finnish roots, featuring traditional folk melodies and a nod to her great-uncle Hannes Laine, a pioneer of Finnish accordion music in New York City.

Experience the warmth and spirit of Finland through Charlotte’s remarkable violin performance—a celebration of culture, connection, and timeless music.

April 27. Afternoon Service & SPRING CONCERT with Charlotte Loukola
2:00 Sanajumalanpalvelus / Word Service – Pastor Leila Mänttäri
3:00 Reception with coffee and beverages hosted by Portland Finnish Church and Finlandia Foundation Columbia-Pacific Chapter. No-host bar will also be available serving local beers and wine.
4:00 Spring Concert featuring musician Charlotte Loukola, Finlandia Foundation National 2025 Performer of the Year. Charlotte Loukola is a Finnish-American violinist with a Master of Music degree from both Juilliard and Sibelius Academy. She brings her versatile talent — spanning classical to easy-listening music — to weddings, corporate events, and now in her role as Finlandia Foundation’s 2025 Performer of the Year. We are excited to have her come and perform for us.

Free admission however donations are greatly appreciated.


Please join us at the Oregon Midsummer Festival

June 27 & 28, 2025 
Friday, June 27th: 5 pm – 9 pm | Saturday, June 28th: 10 am – 5 pm
Nordic Northwest Campus | 8800 SW Oleson Rd | Portland, OR 97223

Immerse Yourself in a 2-Day Midsummer Extravaganza at the Nordic Northwest Campus in SW Portland! Tickets grant access to both Friday evening and Saturday festivities.

Friday, June 27th: 5pm – 9pm (beat the crowds on this dance filled Saint John’s Eve with a bonfire, entertainment, food, vendors, and kids crafts – no flower crown making this evening)

Saturday, June 28th: 10am – 5pm (pole raising and more traditional entertainment, flower crowns, food, vendors, kids area)

Location: Nordic Northwest, 8800 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223

Tickets may sell out and will be more expensive at the door.

Bask in the warmth of the midnight sun as we commemorate the end of the cold winter months with the Oregon Midsummer Festival – a delightful fusion of friendship, food, and drinks, transcending the boundaries of Scandinavian ancestry. This family-friendly celebration, steeped in centuries-old traditions, extends a warm welcome to all!

Buy your tickets!

Interested in volunteering? Please contact Maarit pulli: maaritpulli@hotmail.com or Anna-Liisa Sandstrum: asandstrum@gmail.com


2024-25 SCHOLARSHIPS

The scholarship application must be submitted with required support documents by 11:59 P.M. PST on FEBRUARY 1, 2025.


Grieg Lodge Scholarship Fund (“GLSF”) was founded, in part, to “develop the pursuit of the intellect and education in all areas of life by providing scholarship grants, to encourage studies of the cultures of Norway and the United States, and for the advancement of literary, musical, artistic and historical creativity.”

Each year GLSF gives a minimum of three academic scholarships, typically, more are given. The deadline for applications is February 1, 2025. Applicants will be notified of the Board’s decision no later than March 31, 2025.

To learn more please visit: http://glscholarshipfund.org/scholarships-grants-grieg-lodge-scholarship-fund.html


NORDIC NORTHWEST’S OFFICIAL OREGON LUCIA

Applications due October 30th!

Nordic Northwest is accepting applications for the 68th Official Oregon Lucia Court from young women with a strong passion for Nordic culture, tradition and heritage.

An Oregon tradition since 1956, the Lucia program puts young women with and interest in Nordic heritage in touch with this beloved legend of Scandinavia, while offering them the opportunity to serve their community and receive Scholarships ranging from $1,800 to $3,000. Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 20 (at least a junior in high school, and a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.).

Applications must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, October 30, 2024.