Story perspectives

Finland Breaks Eurovision Rule with Live Gagliano Violin

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The European Broadcasting Union approved a live 1781 Gagliano violin for Finland’s Eurovision act, breaking the contest’s pre-recorded-instrument rule.
Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius performed “Liekinheitin” (“Flamethrower”) in Vienna, mixing frantic fiddle, leaf-blower-fanned dress and jets of flame.
Stage “ninjas” steadied Lampenius’s dress and caught her during a pirouette.
Pete Parkkonen acted as a security spotter after the duo won Finland’s February selection and rehearsed since November.

1 of 1

Story summary

The European Broadcasting Union approved a live 1781 Gagliano violin for Finland’s Eurovision act, breaking the contest’s pre-recorded-instrument rule.
Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius performed “Liekinheitin” (“Flamethrower”) in Vienna, mixing frantic fiddle, leaf-blower-fanned dress and jets of flame.
Stage “ninjas” steadied Lampenius’s dress and caught her during a pirouette.
Pete Parkkonen acted as a security spotter after the duo won Finland’s February selection and rehearsed since November.