Salonki

The October salon at the Writers' House welcomes author Pekka Hassinen, whose newly published novel Virta and Aalto (Warelia 2026) receives its festive premiere in the heart of Seminaarinmäki. The work is a historical biofiction set in spring 1959 in Jyväskylä - a time when the city was preparing for the ceremonial opening of a new university campus designed by Alvar Aalto, attended by the prime minister and the president of the republic. The Seminaarinmäki campus was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in July 2026 as part of the Aalto Works ensemble.

Hassinen discusses the novel with Kristian Blomberg from the Central Finland Writers' Association. Since the novel's protagonist Arvi Virta is a saxophonist and leader of the Arvi Virta Jazz Quintet, jazz musician and saxophonist Markku Rinta-Pollari deepens the atmosphere during the reading sessions. The event features light refreshments and festive catering, and the novel can be purchased at a reduced salon price with the author's signature.

Pekka Hassinen is a philosophy doctorate holder, author, and photographer based in Jyväskylä. His debut work Pakoranta (Warelia 2024) explores architecture and life's big questions through the landscapes and history of Central Finland. Virta and Aalto is his second novel.

The event is organized by the Central Finland Writers' Association, and admission is free. For more information: [email protected] or 045 327 4525.