Arja Saijonmaa takes the stage for the final concert

The Jyväskylän Kesän closing concert looks back on the past decades from a fresh perspective.

The Jyväskylän Kesän closing concert will feature an internationally acclaimed singer-actor known for his captivating performances Arja Saijonmaa. Saijonmaa is a bold, outspoken multi-talent who has appeared at Jyväskylän Kesä before: in 1970, he was part of the street theater group Hurja joukko, which provided commentary on the festival’s programming. This year, he makes his long-awaited return to the Jyväskylän Kesä stage.

The closing concert is a unique production commissioned by Jyväskylän Kesä, entirely conceived by Saijonmaa—from the performance script to the ensemble’s composition. The concert’s central theme is Jyväskylän Kesä’s 2025 theme of “civilization,” as well as the festival’s 70-year history. In addition, Saijonmaa will share memories from his own colorful career. In his concert, Saijonmaa also aims to highlight the state of Europe in these turbulent times by performing, among other things, his big hit I want to live in Europe.

Saijonmaa, who has gained immense popularity especially in Sweden, has been involved in a wide variety of projects. Last year, he took part in Sweden’s own version of *Vain elämää*, and he has also competed in both Finland’s Eurovision Song Contest preliminaries and Sweden’s *Melodifestivalen*. Saijonmaa came within a hair’s breadth of representing Finland at Eurovision; in 1987, his song “Högt över havet” finished in second place, just one point behind the winning entry. Saijonmaa is also mentioned by name in the lyrics of Bara bada bastu, the hugely popular song by KAJ, Sweden’s representative in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. During Melodifestivalen, Saijonmaa was even asked if he would be going KAJ-to go to the sauna in Basel with the band, if KAJ wins. Saijonmaa replied succinctly: “Ich komme!”

The Jyväskylän Kesän closing concert will take place on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the University of Jyväskylä’s main building. The concert will last approximately 2 hours, including an intermission. Tickets are on sale on this website (click the blue “Buy Tickets” button)!