Finnish a cappella ensemble CALLA has released its debut album, Kuurankukkia, combining modern arrangements of Christmas classics with original music aimed particularly at young adults. Its seasonal subjects extend beyond celebration to sisterhood, mental health, childhood memories and fractured families. The group says it wanted to challenge idealised images of the festive period by writing honestly about experiences that can make the end of the year difficult. Winter and friendship also provide subjects for listeners who do not feel an affinity with Christmas itself.
Formed in 2023, the ensemble comprises Vilja Wahlbom, Siina Suutarinen, Jenny Jalkanen, Helmi Antila, Aino Priha and Olivia Ainali. Its arrangements incorporate beatbox elements and bass lines within an all-female vocal lineup. The members also work as performers and songwriters across indie, jazz and major-label music. They describe their approach as pop-oriented, with individual vocal colours contributing to a sound they want to make accessible beyond the established audience for unaccompanied singing.
Hei äiti examines a mother’s first Christmas after separation. The song received its first performance during the group’s 2025 holiday tour, where, the singers recall, an audience member told them: “You have no idea what a moving classic you’ve created.” The ensemble dedicates it to anyone whose feelings about the holiday or family relationships are conflicted.
Three tracks preceded the album: En pelkää pimeää, Varpunen jouluaamuna and the title song. The title song concerns the peace that can be found in winter darkness and silence. The reworked standards draw on the members’ different musical backgrounds.
The singers say their explicitly feminine artistic identity also informs their ambitions for the genre. They point to their lineup as a distinction from established Finnish ensembles Rajaton and Club for Five, and describe encountering judgements about the seriousness of their work based on appearance and stage presence. Their stated aim is to broaden and renew a cappella while respecting its traditions, and to use their platform to support other women and fellow musicians in the industry.
Social media has been another route to a wider audience: the ensemble’s cover versions have accumulated millions of views and attracted thousands of followers. Collaborations have included BEE, Ege Zulu and KAUKUA. Recognition within the vocal-music field includes the audience-voted Newcomer of the Year award at Sulasol’s 2024 Choir Gala and second place in the ensemble competition at Aarhus Vocal Festival in May 2026.
The group has also headlined Finnish music festivals and received working grants. A five-stop album-launch tour takes the record into the following venues:
