Uusimaa school cancels classical music concert due to religious themes | Yle news

Many politicians oppose the cancellation of concerts and emphasize the importance of cultural education that encompasses all facets of European heritage.

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A primary school in Uusimaa has sparked debate by canceling a classical music concert due to religious content, sparking strong reactions from politicians and social media.

The Finnish Baroque Orchestra and the Helsinki Chamber Choir were scheduled to perform George Friderik Handel‘S Messiaha composition with Christian themes about the life of Jesus.

However, according to a report in the newspaper, the school’s principal decided to cancel the concert due to its religious overtones Helsingin Sanomat.

The concert was part of the Lähelle project, which aimed to bring free, high-quality art to schools and libraries. The decision has surprised event organizers, who believe the school may have been influenced by a previous case in Hämeenlinna, where a student received compensation after being accidentally exposed to religious content.

Several Finnish politicians, including Mika Lintila (Cen), Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laaksonen (NCP), Sari Essayah (CD-), Krista Mikkonen (Green) and bishop Teemu Laajasaloexpressed his concerns on social media and emphasized the importance of cultural education covering all aspects of European heritage.

Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz (SPP) noted in his blogging that European culture is deeply rooted in Christianity, which suggests that it is possible to teach cultural history inclusively to students of all faiths.

“It is important to make all dimensions of our cultural history visible in school education, and it is possible to do this in a way that allows people of all faiths to be part of it,” Adlercreutz wrote.