National song and dance ensemble of Karelia Kantele is one of the musical symbols of Karelia. The ensemble was founded in 1936 and is named after the ancient traditional Karelian-Finnish musical instrument. The collective, specialising in the art of indigenous peoples (Russians, Karelians, Vepsians and Finns) living on the territory of Karelia in the Russian Federation, has four creative groups: a kantele player ensemble, an orchestra, a vocal group Aino and a dance group. The ensemble blends the culture of national instrument playing, song and dance, with folk art elements harmonised with modern stage language. Works by Karelian, Russian and Finnish composers have taken a special place in the repertoire from the very beginning.
Today Kantele is a professional collective with a rich creative history, which is based on careful preservation and delicate renewal of the traditions.
The Kantele ensemble has more than two dozen artistic programmes, differently revealing the culture and traditions of the peoples of Karelia. These include large theatrical performances, chamber and solo programmes.
The collective is awarded with the Order "Badge of Honour" and the "Sampo" prize by the Head of the Republic of Karelia.