These seven compositions are nominated for the 2026 Teosto Prize
The Teosto Prize recognises bold, original and innovative musical works, regardless of genre or commercial success. The award also highlights the importance of the work done by composers, lyricists and arrangers within the music ecosystem, while giving recognition to distinctive, inventive and forward‑thinking Finnish compositions.
Now awarded for the 21st time, the prize amounts to 40,000 euros, which may be divided among up to four winning works. If only one winner is selected, the prize sum is 25,000 euros.
They’re competing to win – see all the 2026 Teosto Prize nominees
The nominees for the 2026 Teosto Prize are:
- Joel Järventausta’s composition Fantasia for Piano and Orchestra
- Aili Järvelä’s compositions and lyrics on the album VUORI
- Works by the group good boys on the album Hittaa
- Lydia Lehtola’s compositions and lyrics, and the arrangements by Lehtola and the working group on Lyyti’s album Pidän sulle paikkaa
- Niillas Holmberg and Pauli Lyytinen’s works on the album Naarattu laulu
- Ulla Lintulampi’s compositions and lyrics, as well as the working group’s arrangements on Ullalintulampi’s album Kannattelen
- Moriamo Ahmed’s lyrics, and the compositions by Ahmed and Nori Kini on Kofu’s album in the absence of apathy
The nominees were selected by a pre-selection panel consisting of journalist Ella Ossi (chair); musician, lecturer and journalist Ville Komppa (vice-chair); Maria Silvennoinen, Executive Director of the Finnish Jazz Federation; journalist Jarkko Fräntilä; DJ and promoter Marju Rotinen; violinist and opera director Siljamari Heikinheimo; and journalist Juuso Määttänen.
The winners of the Teosto Prize will be chosen by a four-member jury. This year, the jury includes the 2025 Teosto Prize winners, Kristo Laanti (DJ Kridlokk) and Mioko Yokoyama, as well as two members appointed by Teosto’s management: long-standing music industry figure Pekka Ruuska and Sini Tiainen, Nordic Music Content Manager at the streaming service Qobuz.
The winners will be announced on 16 April at an invitation-only event at the restaurant of the Helsinki Music Centre (Musiikkitalo).
