Taideratikka Returns: Live Music and Poetry on Tampere Trams

Tampereen Raitiotie Oy announced that its Taideratikka art tram will host a series of pop-up performances on line 1 between Kaupin kampus and Pyhällönpuisto from April 22 through June 11. The rides will feature early music, a children’s choir and readings by local poets, with performances included with a regular tram ticket.

The tram is identifiable by Ilai Elias Lehdon’s exterior artwork Morottavat metsäneläimet, which depicts a fox, wolf, lynx, long-eared owl, otter, bear and badger. Exact performance times will be published on Tampereen Ratikka’s website and social media a few days before each appearance.

The spring programme opens with Sastamala Gregoriana on April 22–23, bringing soprano Aino Peltomaa and jouhikko (a traditional Finnish bowed lyre) player Ilkka Heinonen on the first day, and violinists Miihkali Kerkkänen and Anthony Marin on the second. On both days the tram will depart Kaupin kampus at 10:39 and return from Pyhällönpuisto at 11:24.

In May the programme features Lapsikuoro Tactus on May 13 and 20. The children’s choir, part of Pirkanmaa Music Institute and led by Emmi Kleemola, will present a varied repertoire spanning pop, film music and folk traditions from Finland, the United States and Africa.

The spring run closes with two poetry sessions from Viitapiiri on June 9 and 11. Eight writers will join the tram for short readings: Hanna Hysch, Tenho Nuutila, Kati Kristiina, Mirjam Larinkari, Aino-Kaisa Koistinen, Anni Kanniainen, Tiina Poutanen and Kiti Saarinen. Tampereen Raitiotie Oy produces the Taideratikka in cooperation with Pirkanmaan festivaalit ry and says the pop-up series has hosted 31 local groups since 2022. The company reserves the right to make programme changes.