Kaisa Ristiluoma is a folk musician, accordion artist, composer and educator from Lapland. Her work is guided by the values of northern culture, nature and community. Ristiluoma moves naturally between folk music and the performing arts as a performer, composer and arranger.
Composition is a central part of Ristiluoma’s artistic practice. In her music, sensitive and lyrical expression meets the rhythmic force of folk music and tradition.
During her career, Ristiluoma has worked on productions by Rovaniemi Theatre, Dance Theatre Rimpparemmi and Oulu Theatre, among others. One of her most significant compositions is the folk dance theatre work Luutarha, created in collaboration with choreographer and director Elena Vuoksiola.
Alongside her artistic work, the communal dimension of music is important to Ristiluoma. She is the founder and director of the Pohjolan Pelimannit orchestra and works as a folk music teacher. For Ristiluoma, music is above all a way to create meaningful experiences, bring people together and keep traditions alive in the present day.
In spring 2026, she received the City of Rovaniemi’s Cultural Achievement of the Year Award.