Martti Pokela

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Martti Eliel Pokela (1924–2007) was a Finnish folk musician and composer. He was a master of the kantele, Finland’s national instrument. Born January 23, 1924, in Haapavesi, Finland, he died August 23, 2007, in Helsinki.

With his wife Marjatta Pokela, he helped revive interest in Finnish folk music beginning in the 1950s. Their daughter Eveliina joined them in the 1960s. Pokela blended traditional Finnish folk with modern sounds, and their albums were released outside Finland as well.

He taught kantele at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and Kuopio until 1987. He founded the academy’s folk music department and became a full professor in 1980. He is buried in Hietaniemi Cemetery in Helsinki.