The 2026 Teosto Prize goes to Aili Järvelä and Joel Järventausta

The seven nominees and two winners of the Teosto Prize were selected from Finnish works of music published or premiered in 2025. The winners were selected by a four-member panel of judges consisting of the 2025 Teosto Prize winners DJ Kridlokk and Mioko Yokoyama, as well as two members invited by Teosto’s management team, the long-time music business influencer Pekka Ruuska and Sini Tiainen, Music Content Manager for the Nordic countries at the streaming service Qobuz.

"This year, the group of nominees initially felt equally strong, and each work justified its existence effortlessly. We wanted to select at least half of the nominees as winners. However, the weeks of listening revealed more colours and expressiveness in the works that ultimately ended up being selected. Nevertheless, this was not an easy choice for the panel of judges. The wide-ranging exchange of views among the panel of judges eventually made it possible to decide on the winners," says  Pekka Ruuska, who chaired the panel of judges.

Recognising bold, original and innovative works of music, the Teosto Prize is one of the most noteworthy art prizes in the Nordic countries. Since 2003, the prize has been awarded to give recognition for the work of composers, lyricists and composers. This year's Teosto Prize winners were announced at an event for invited guests at Musiikkitalo's restaurant on 16 April.

Rationale behind the winner selection

Joel Järventausta’s composition Fantasia pianolle ja orkesterille

Premiere: 29 October 2025, Musiikkitalo, Helsinki. Performed by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ilan Volkov; soloist Joonas Ahonen, piano. Published by: Edition Wilhelm Hansen.

Fantasia pianolle ja orkesterille is a breathtakingly multidimensional work that recognises its heritage, but is very much part of its time. The work, which describes the dramatic stages of the birth of the author's child, draws the listener in and opens up a world of sound that is easy to become immersed in. The originality of the work emerges in the way that Järventausta dares to let his music breathe without overemphasising tonal or structural complexity.

Järventausta creates a world within his work where the deep roots of classical tradition and modern expression interact. In some places, the work even flirts with pop music, but does it without losing its own clearly recognisable identity.

The rhythmically vibrant and meticulously finished work gains special strength from the considered but impressive use of percussion instruments. Combining opposing orchestral sound masses creates a richly coloured, vivid texture in the composition.

Aili Järvelä’s compositions and lyrics on the album VUORI

Published on: 19 September 2025. Performed by Aili Järvelä, vocals; the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra, orchestral recording producer Pekka Kuusisto; Laura Hynninen, harp; Samuli Kosminen, percussion instruments.

Aili Järvelä's VUORI is a tonally rich work, where pain, sensitivity, everyday life and beauty are woven together like a skilfully made braid. On the album, the traditional and the modern meet in innovative ways. Järvelä moves confidently between different genres using a fresh and original approach. The work feels like a clear mountain stream flowing through the traditions of Finnish songwriting.

VUORI forms a cohesive whole with a strong identity, supported by beautiful melodies. The parts with the chamber orchestra and the harp have been arranged with exceptional sensitivity and precision. Instead of describing life’s painful moments through grief, Järvelä uses them to create music that turns difficult emotions into beauty and gentle positivity.

Seven nominees competed for the Teosto Prize

The purpose of the Teosto Prize is to annually recognise bold, original and innovative works of music or collections of works. The works may represent any genre. With the prize, Teosto also wants to support the diversity of genres and increase appreciation for the work of music authors in society.  Awarded since 2003, the Teosto Prize is one of the most noteworthy art prizes in the Nordic countries. The prize was now awarded for the 21st time.

In addition to the winning works, this year's nominees included:

• The group good boys' works on the album Hittaa
• Lydia Lehtola's compositions and lyrics and Lehtola and her team's arrangements on Lyyti's album Pidän sulle paikkaa
• Niillas Holmberg and Pauli Lyytinen’s works on the album Naarattu laulu
• Ulla Lintulampi’s compositions and lyrics and her team’s arrangements on Ullalintulampi’s album Kannattelen
• Moriamo Ahmed’s lyrics and Ahmed and Nori Kin’s compositions on Kofu’s album in the absence of apathy
  
  

The nominees were selected by a preliminary selection panel consisting of journalist Ella Ossi (Chair); musician, lecturer and journalist Ville Komppa (Vice Chair); the Finnish Jazz Federation's Executive Director Maria Silvennoinen; DJ and promoter Marju Rotinen; opera director and violinist Siljamari Heikinheimo and journalists Jarkko Fräntilä and Juuso Määttänen.

Announcement of the winner of the Teosto Prize at Musiikkitalo on 16 April

Media representatives are welcome to attend the Teosto Prize winner announcement event held at Musiikkitalo's restaurant (Mannerheimintie 13a, Helsinki) on Thursday, 16 April, from 5:00 p.m.  Register for the winner announcement event here (page in Finnish).

The official press image of the winners will be available for download on April 16 at 5:45 pm from the Teosto Newsroom.