FINLANDIA FOUNDATION: ACTIVITIES
 
Annual Gala Awards Dinner Dance
 

An evening of celebration and awards, the Annual Gala is a black tie event held in the spring each year to benefit the foundation’s scholarship fund.  The Foundation presents an “Arts and Letters Award” to an artist that has strengthened ties between the United States and Finland through the arts.  Previous recipients include, the late Senator J. William Fulbright, orchestra conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen, soprano Karita Mattila, former New York Times journalist and author Werner Wiskari, and composer Charles Wuorinen.

Artist Debut Series
 

Each fall, Finlandia Foundation New York sponsors young Finnish artists as they make their New York recital debut.  Past debut artists include, mezzo-soprano Monica Groop, baritone Jaakko Kortikangas, soprano Helena Juntunen, pianist Tuija Hakkila, cellist Anssi Karttunen, and pianist Laura Mikkola.
 
Scholarship Awards
 

Scholarship grants are awarded to American and Finnish students for study and research abroad, ranging from $500 to $5,000.  The Finlandia Foundation Selection Committee accepts submissions until February 15th each year—with the announcement of recipients each May.
 
Finnish Independence Day Commemoration
 

In December, the Foundation commemorates Finnish independence with an annual program in New York City.  The event includes an invocation, a speaker from Finland, greetings from the Consul General, and performances of music and poetry.  Special recognition is given to Finnish war veterans in attendance.
 
Membership Meetings
 

Both members and prospective constituents are invited to attend four membership meetings held in November, December, April, and May.  Program includes a guest artist or speaker, followed by a social hour with refreshments.  We encourage everyone interested to attend, as it is an invaluable opportunity to renew acquaintances and to form new ones.
 
 Additional special events are often sponsored in conjunction with other New York based groups including, the Sibelius Society, the American Scandinavian Foundation, Finnish American Women's Network (FAWN), Scandinavia House, and the American Scandinavian Society.