Nyrkki (Fist) Award
Since its launch in 2021, the Nyrkki Award, introduced by the Musicians’ Union, recognizes activism and actions that promote the interests of music performers. The award was designed by visual artist Jani Leinonen and cast in the likeness of the fist of the first recipient, musician Aki Hauru.
Recipients of the Musicians’ Union Fist Award from 2021 onwards:
2023 Edith Katiji
2022 Paula Vesala and Mikko Kosonen
2021 Aki Hauru
Recognition Award
The Musicians’ Union’s Recognition Award is granted annually for significant work within the union’s sphere of activity. The prize sum of EUR 5,000 is funded by the Musicians’ Union.
Recipients of the Musicians’ Union Recognition Award from 1978 onwards:
2023 Executive Director Maria Silvennoinen
2022 CEO Kaisa Rönkkö
2021 Musician Patrik Stenström
2020 Musician Janne Haavisto and Kymi Sinfonietta
2019 Specialist Doctor Miikka Peltomaa
2018 UMO Jazz Orchestra
2017 Conductor, Musician Ossi Runne
2016 Musician Minna Pensola
2015 Entrepreneur, CEO, FM Annamaija Saarela
2014 Musicians Jussi Fredriksson & Timo Pulakka
2013 Journalist Pekka Laine
2012 Musician, Composer Iiro Rantala
2011 Dance Artist Minna Tervamäki
2010 Singer Reetta Ristimäki
2009 Musician Heikki Hämäläinen
2008 Musician Jukka Perko
2007 Musician Jussi Javas
2006 Singer Juha Uusitalo
2005 Producer Veikko Nyberg
2004 Musician Maria Kalaniemi
2003 Musician Pertti “Pepa” Päivinen
2002 Musician Markku Johansson
2001 Musician Kimmo Pohjonen
2000 Singer Eeva-Liisa Saarinen
1999 Joensuu City Orchestra
1998 Musician Seppo Hovi
1997 Conductor Atso Almila
1996 Musician Kauko Saari
1995 Musician Martti Peippo
1994 Musician Anssi Nykänen
1993 Musicians Matti Puurtinen & Timo Ronkainen
1992 Musician Jukka Ollila
1991 Musician Martti Metsäketo
1990 Dipl. Eng. Kari Lampela & Editor-in-Chief Paavo Helistö
1989 Lahti City Orchestra & Musician Pekka Helin
1988 Musician Heikki Laurila
1987 Musician Esa Pulliainen & Music Educator Raimo Sarmas
1986 Musicians Veijo Filppu & Risto Fredriksson
1985 Band Seitsemän Seinähullua Veljestä
1984 Musician Jussi Raittinen & Concertmaster Jorma Ylönen
1983 Singer Anneli Saaristo & Opera Director Juhani Raiskinen
1982 Conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste & Singer Harri Saksala
1981 Musician Pauli Kinnunen
1980 Composer Toivo Kärki
1979 Radio Chamber Choir
1978 Conductor Hannu Sopanen