Jukka Hannula named oltermanni of the Lapland region

Music teacher, accordionist and composer Jukka Hannula (b. 1975), born in Kalajoki and living in Sodankylä, was named oltermanni of the Lapland region on 9 May 2026 in recognition of his long work in folk music and folk dance.

Hannula is known especially as an expert on the traditional regions of Finnish folk music and as a keeper of Lapland's folk musician tradition. He has composed music for folk dance groups, stage works and various ensembles, and has worked widely with the dance field.

As a teacher Hannula has been an important figure among children and young people and has founded folk musician groups in Rovaniemi and Sodankylä. He has served among other things as musical director of Rimpparemmi, been active in several folk music organisations and taken part in documenting the traditions of Lapland and Ruija.

The title of oltermanni of Suomen Kansanmusiikkiliitto can be granted to one master of folk music, a carrier and keeper of tradition, in each region. The title is for life. It is granted by the board of Suomen Kansanmusiikkiliitto.

Warm congratulations to Jukka!

Photo: @nuorisoseurat.lappi / Hannula with his daughter Inga-Maria Yli-Tepsa at the Jutajaiset courses in 2025