About Viljo Vesterinen
Lived 1907 – 1961 (aged 54). Viljo Vesterinen was a Finnish composer and accordionist.
Viljo "Vili" Vesterinen (26 March 1907 – 18 May 1961) was a Finnish accordionist and composer.
Early life and education Vesterinen was born in Terijoki. He studied piano and cello at the Vyborg Music Institute, but as an accordionist he was self-taught. Vesterinen mainly played in different bands and theatres early in his career.
Career Vesterinen made his first recordings in 1929. Vesterinen's most popular recording is Säkkijärven polkka (1939). Even though it is not Vesterinen's own song, his version of the song is one of its most popular renditions. Other popular songs are Metsäkukkia (1931), Hilpeä hanuri (1936) and Valssi menneiltä ajoilta (1939). Vesterinen made a total of 130 recordings during his career. Heavy use of alcohol and cigarettes caused his health to deteriorate and affected his ability to play.
Vesterinen also appeared in some films. The biopic Säkkijärven polkka (1955) is the story of Vesterinen's life.
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Viljo Vesterinen?
Finnish accordion player and composer (1907–1961)
When was Viljo Vesterinen born?
Viljo Vesterinen was born on 26 March 1907 in Zelenogorsk.
When did Viljo Vesterinen die?
Viljo Vesterinen died on 18 May 1961 in Helsinki.
What was Viljo Vesterinen's occupation?
Viljo Vesterinen was a composer and accordionist.
What nationality was Viljo Vesterinen?
Viljo Vesterinen was Finnish.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Viljo Vesterinen. https://biography.guide/viljo-vesterinen/
MLA: "Viljo Vesterinen." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/viljo-vesterinen/.
Chicago: "Viljo Vesterinen." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/viljo-vesterinen/.
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