Lasse Hoikka appointed music counselor

Dance musician Lasse Hoikka has been granted the title of music counselor by President Alexander Stubb, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reported Friday. The honor was one of 55 titles awarded by the president in the latest biannual round.

Hoikka, founder of the dance band Souvarit, received the news at his breakfast table in Rovaniemi. “It was a sunny day and a joyful surprise. I had no expectations at all. I was stunned,” he said. He celebrated in the morning with a single cigar and planned to continue later at the premiere of a musical about Souvarit at Suukoski stage.

Souvarit was founded in 1978 and is known for a heavy touring schedule, but the 70-year-old Hoikka said the pace has slowed. This summer the band will play only 22 gigs.

The title of music counselor is rarely awarded to representatives of light music in Finland. Previous recipients include Kari “Epe” Helenius (2021) and Mikko Alatalo (2023). The last time the president conferred titles to residents of Lapland was in 2024, when Taisto Arkko received the title of vocational education counselor, Markku Ponkala and Eero Ylitalo received municipal counselor titles, and Mikko Haapasaari received the Director Musices title.

Titles are a public recognition of work done for the benefit of society and are normally awarded twice a year by the president.