2012 Finlandia Foundation National Performer of the Year Maria Voltaine (prior, Kizirian) performs Finnish pop songs that have been Americanized, as well as her own repertoire from over the years. Her showstopping, rock orchestral version of “Finlandia” is also included.

Performer Bio: The classically trained Maria signed her first record contract with EMI Finland, and her debut album, “Olipa Kerran” received heavy radio play with singles “Olipa Kerran,” “Onnellinen,” and “Aurinkoon.” However, her path lead to the California sun just as her album was taking off in Finland. While in California, Maria continued performing and creating more music, for which her songs have received radio play on nearly 100 stations across the USA. Maria was the Finlandia Foundation National Performer of the Year (POY) in 2012, and has performed for Finnish-American audiences around the USA. Her Rock Orchestral version of “Finlandia” with soaring vocals has always been a favorite of the Finns.