How did a Finnish American musician get nominated and selected in Library of Congress recording registry? What does this mean today to Finnish American music? FinnFest 2024 Introduction to Viola Turpeinen Carl Rahkonen, Prof. Emeritus, Indiana University of Pennsylvania National Recording Registry: “What went into proposing Viola’s inclusion? James Leary, Prof. Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Madison The nomination: motives and process of soliciting/encouraging public nominations Margaret Fibel, Finlandia Foundation, Nation’s Capitol chapter Viola Turpeinen’s Influence on Finnish American accordion players Teresa Aho, accordionist who will also play “Kauhavan Polkka” Open mike, Q&A, Reminiscences about Viola.

Presenters: Carl Rahkonen, James Leary, Margaret Fibel, Teresa Aho