Varttina, originally from the Finnish town of Raakkyla, was founded in 1983 by Sari and Mari Kaasinen. The group initially consisted of 15 young girls who accompanied themselves with traditional Finnish instruments and six young men who accompanied them with guitars, flute, accordion and saxophone. In 1990 the group was in danger of falling apart. In a new composition, the musical direction changed
… slightly. Today, the group mixes traditional influences with their own compositions and is a welcome guest at World music festivals around the world. Their new CD Kokko is released on the renowned American Nonesuch label, which also includes CDs from Cesaria Evora and The Gipsy Kings.more
