Kanneltalo's Author Guests, Autumn 2026

Kanneltalo's Author Guests brings four writers to the stage on Monday evenings in autumn 2026 at 6 p.m. The events are held in Kanneltalo's large concert hall and admission is free. The programme is organized in collaboration with Kannelmäki Library and Kanneltalo's cultural services.

Mon 7.9.2026 - Guest is Riko Saatsi. His work Yönistujat was a finalist for the Finlandia Prize 2025; it explores Karelian identity and evacuees and represents Saatsi's effort to promote the status of the Karelian language. Saatsi's output also includes the short story collection Hyviä aikomuksia (2021) and numerous theatre productions. Saatsi is interviewed by Dr. Hanna Karhu, a literature researcher.

Mon 14.9.2026 - Guest is Monika Fagerholm. Her work Eristystila: kapinoivia naisia won the Finlandia Prize 2025. The novel tells the coming-of-age story of a young woman in the 1970s - her journey to becoming an artist, her bourgeois social circle, and her rebellion. Fagerholm is interviewed by Hannimari Heino, Fagerholm's Swedish translator. The interview is conducted in Finnish, but the author can also answer in Swedish.

Mon 9.11.2026 - Guest is emeritus professor of space astronomy Esko Valtaoja. The stage discussion focuses on Valtaoja's latest works, including the essay collection Kuukävely ja kuusi voileipää, and may also touch on his work Maailmankaikkeudesta. Valtaoja is interviewed by Tuija Takala.

Mon 30.11.2026 - Guest is Emmi Itäranta. She discusses her latest work Lumenlaulaja, which retells the Kalevala story from a feminist perspective - centring on Louhi, the mistress of the North. Itäranta is interviewed by Kati-Annika Ansas.

At the same time, Kanneltalo also hosts a literature lecture series on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 1 of the workers' institute - a detailed schedule can be found in the links on the page.