Fulbright Scholar Samuli Korkalainen joins Finlandia Fridays

Visiting from Finland and hosted by Finlandia’s Finnish & Nordic Studies program, Doctor of Music Samuli Korkalainen joins Finlandia Fridays this week to talk about his experience in the Keweenaw and the reason for his visit to the Upper Peninsula. Known by most as Samppa, Korkalainen was visiting the university as a post-doctoral Fulbright Scholar while conducting research at the Finnish American Archives. What brings Korkalainen all the way to Finlandia? Spiritual music in Finnish American communities from the 1860’s to the 1920’s.

Korkalainen received his Doctorate of Music from the Sibelius Academy at the University of Arts Helsinki. He also holds a master’s in theology along with being a professional organist, singer and choir director while working as a pastor for the Finnish Lutheran church.