Päivi Hirvonen is a Finnish singer, fiddler, and bowed lyre virtuoso known for blending Nordic folk traditions with contemporary influences. An internationally acclaimed artist, she has captivated audiences worldwide, both as a solo performer and as a member of the electro-folk ensemble Okra Playground. Hirvonen’s masterful use of Fenno-Ugric vocal techniques lends a unique, expressive character to her music, while the hypnotic, archaic tones of the bowed lyre and her earthy, roots-driven fiddling create a deeply immersive sonic landscape.

Rooted in the rich traditions of Finnish folk music, her work seamlessly weaves in cinematic soundscapes and contemporary pop influences, creating a distinctive and evocative musical experience. She sings about topics that need to be told and heard, like women’s rights, climate change, childlessness, hope and love. 

Hirvonen is a trailblazer in the art of simultaneous singing and fiddle playing, a rare and captivating skill she has been showcasing to audiences worldwide for years. Her music has been heard on radios and stages in Europe, Asia and North and South America. 

Her first two solo albums, Alku – The Beginning (Nordic Notes, 2018) and Kallio (Nordic Notes, 2022), received widespread critical acclaim and were both nominated for Finland’s prestigious Emma Award for “Best Ethno Album of the Year”. Kallio has also claimed high international recognition, debuting right after its release at number 10 on the World Music Charts Europe and number 15 on the Transglobal World Music Charts. Her third album Maa palaa (Nordic Notes, 2025) was released on 25 April 2025 and it continues to explore the dynamic interplay between fiddle and voice, now enriched by the depth and resonance of three distinct vocal layers. On the new album and on the stage, Hirvonen is joined by Tero Pajunen and Mirva Ormin, forming a one-of-a-kind trio of three singing fiddlers. Live electronics and sound design on stage is created by Tuomas Haimakainen.