Concert venues

Lieksa Church

Lieksa Church, by architects by Raili and Reima Pietilä, overlooks the River Lieksanjoki in the centre of Lieksa. It stands on the site of the fine wooden church designed by C.L. Engel that was destroyed by fire. The new church successfully combines the atmosphere of the old, classical church with modern architecture and the potential of present-day building techniques. As the sounds of the brass instruments soar to the vaulted ceiling, listeners can admire the beautiful park and old bell tower through the big cruciform window. Lieksa Church seats 600 and, if necessary, a further 300 in the area at the rear. It has an induction loop and is easily accessible for wheelchairs. Map

Cultural Centre

The 400-seat Brahe Hall at the Cultural Centre right in the centre of Lieksa can be adapted to suit a variety of events by rearranging the platform and using spotlights to create fitting moods. It has an induction loop and provisions for wheelchairs. Map

Mätäsvaara Mine

The Mätäsvaara mining lagoon is 27 km from the centre of Lieksa, on the border of Lieksa and Nurmes. The village is known for its colourful mining history. The old mine was opened up before the Second World War and was an important source of molybdenum. After the war it was closed and part of it filled up with rainwater to form a large lagoon. In the centre of the lagoon is a platform on which most of the mine concerts are performed. The listeners sit in a pleasant, 350-seat open auditorium. The surrounding granite-gneiss rock faces rise to over 40 metres and guarantee incredibly fine acoustics. The stark beauty of the venue adds a unique element to the listening experience. Visitors can if they wish take a look at the village mining exhibition and the area in general either before or after the concert. Audiences are advised to dress warmly for concerts, to wear stout walking shoes and to come equipped with rainwear and insect repellents. In the event of heavy rain or thunderstorms, the concerts are transferred to the Brahe Hall in the Cultural Centre. The mining lagoon is accessible to wheelchairs. Map

Viekijärvi Church

Viekijärvi Church is on the Lieksa-Nurmes border, 25 km from the centre of Lieksa. Designed in semi-Gothic style by A.E. Ollilainen, it was consecrated in 1911 and still has the original stoves, though the church has been heated by electricity since 1972. The altar piece painted by Hilja Karola and consecrated in 1945 shows Christ on the cross. The wooden church radiates the warmth and atmosphere of an old wooden church. Seating close on 1,000, it poses no problems for wheelchairs. Map