Making Music

As the standard of living improved in the second half of the 19th century, various recreational activities became more common. Different musical groups and choirs were established.

In the Loimaa region, the first of these was the “combined male and female-voiced” choir, which started in Vesikoski in January 1878. Temperance societies, workers' associations, and industrial establishments also had their own activities.

The Loimaa Brass Band was founded in the spring of 1885 and became an independent association. Its activities have occasionally dwindled and revived, but the Loimaa Music Society considers its history to have started at that point, celebrating its 130th anniversary in April 2015.

Caption: “Italian street musicians in Loimaa.” Early 20th century.
Photo: Veikko Hulkko Collection.