Opening Celebration of the Academic Year
We invite members of the Centria community—students and staff—to the Opening Celebration of the Academic Year at the Music Center Snellman on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The event will feature a performance by musician Aaro “Arppa” Airola together with Mikko Pellinen’s band. The event is made possible by Avain Säästöpankki and is organized in collaboration with Avain Säästöpankki and the Student Union Copsa.
2.9.2026 at 14:45
Music Center Snellman, Vingenkatu 18, 67100 Kokkola
Free
1200
Programme
The doors to the Music Center open at 14.00, and the programme begins at 14.45. The Music Center will feature booths from our partners as well as refreshments.
14.45 Short speeches
- Centria UAS rector, CEO Tapio Huttula
- Avain Säästöpankki
15.00 Arppa & Mikko Pellinen’s band, in cooperation with the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra
At the Celebration there will be a performance by
- Aaro ”Arppa” Airola, vocals
- Mikko Pellinen, flyygeli, bass
- Ville-Veikko Airaniemi, guitar
- Ida Tunkkari, first violin
- Janika Läspä, second violin
- Iida Murtoniemi, viola
- Marjukka Puutio, cello
After the show, we’ll gather for a joint parade from the Music Center to Länsipuisto. The parade will be led by the amazing dancers of Samba el Gambo.
At Länsipuisto, the day’s events will continue with Copsa’s picnic in the park.
Event info
Admission to the event is free, and the maximum number of participants is 1,200, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students and personnel must verify their membership in the Centria community by presenting their Tuudo student ID card or, in the case of personnel, their ID card.
The Snellman Hall, where the band will perform, has the capacity of about 800 people. The doors to the Snellman Hall will be closed once the show begins, and they will not be reopened for latecomers—even if there is still room in the hall—so as not to disrupt the atmosphere of the show. You can also watch the show via livestream in the Fordell Hall and restaurant at the Music Center. By arriving early, you’ll secure your spot in the Snellman Hall!
Photography during the band’s performance is prohibited at the artist’s request.