A primary school in Uusimaa has sparked debate by cancelling a classical music concert over religious content, drawing strong reactions from politicians and social media.
The Finnish Baroque Orchestra and Helsinki Chamber Choir were scheduled to perform George Frideric Handel's Messiah, a composition with Christian themes about the life of Jesus.
However, the school's principal decided to cancel the concert, citing its religious undertones, according to a report by newspaper Helsingin Sanomat.
The concert was part of the Lähelle project, aimed at bringing high-quality art to schools and libraries for free. The decision has surprised event organisers, who believe the school may have been influenced by a previous case in Hämeenlinna, where a student received compensation after being inadvertently exposed to religious content.
Several Finnish politicians, including Mika Lintilä (Cen), Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laaksonen (NCP), Sari Essayah (CD) , Krista Mikkonen (Green), and Bishop Teemu Laajasalo, voiced concerns on social media, emphasising the importance of cultural education that includes all aspects of European heritage.
Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz (SPP) noted in his blog that European culture is deeply rooted in Christianity, suggesting that it’s possible to teach cultural history inclusively for 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 so in a way that allows people of all religions to be part of it," Adlercreutz wrote.
