The theme of the 13th Oulu Music Festival in March 2003 was built around strong emotions and piano recitals. New funding made it possible to invite Absolute Ensemble to the festival. This popular, American group led by Kristjan Järvi, made crossover music of influences from jazz, rock and classical music.
The other performers of the festival included pianists Gergely Bogányi, Valeria Resjnan and Vanessa Cunha, violinit Barnabás Kelemen and cellist Tibor Bogányi, as well as Trio Töykeät with tenor Hannu Jurmu.
Musiikkijuhlilla esiintyivät myös muun muassa Iiro Rantalan johtama Trio Töykeät yhdessä tenori Hannu Jurmun kanssa, pianistit Gergely Bogányi, Valeria Resjnan ja Vanessa Cunha, vuoden 2002 Indianapolisin viulukilpailun voittanut Barnabás Kelemen sekä sellisti Tibor Bogányi.