News

Pelléas and Mélisande at the Finnish National Opera

FNO: "Claude Debussy's dreamy and shimmering Symbolist opera, Pelléas et Mélisande, was last performed at the Finnish National Opera over 60 years ago. Now the enchanting impressionist opera appears again, in a stunningly lush production from Marco Arturo Marelli featuring moonlit wells in the brooding darkness. Guest vocalists include world-class performers Angelika Kirchschlager, François Le Roux and Topi Lehtipuu. This new production of Debussy's only completed opera promises to be a highlight of the coming opera season." - Finnish coloratura soprano Mia Heikkinen will debut the role of Yniold. Premiere will be 23rd March 2012 and preformances are running till the end of the April 2012.

Seven works compete for the Teosto Prize

12 April 2012: Pianist Milla Viljamaa has won the Teosto Prize 2012

TEOSTO: "Seven works have been nominated for the 2012 Teosto Prize. The prize, awarded by the Finnish Composers' Copyright Society Teosto, aims to highlight new works that are fresh, original and innovative. The preliminary panel selected seven nominees.

The Teosto Prize is not bound to any musical genre or style, and accordingly the nominees represent the variety of Finnish music from popular music to folk, jazz as well as contemporary classical. The prize will be given to one (25 000 euros), or more (40 000 euros) musical works on 12 April 2012.

Among the nominees:

Mikko Heiniö: Eerik XIV
Mikko Heiniö’s music in the opera Eerik XIV is stylistically diverse and it reflects the dramaturgy delicately. The composition succeeds in bringing the characters of the opera to the front and deepening them while leading the story fluently forward. The work continues the rich Finnish opera tradition in an ambitious and individual way.

Milla Viljamaa: Minne
Milla Viljamaa has created a captivating work that draws its influences from around the world; the result is timeless and personal. With the innovative use of the harmonium Viljamaa brings her instrument to the new millennium without forgetting its roots in folk music.

WORLD PREMIERE AT THE FNO: PURGE by Jüri Reinvere
World premiere 20th of April 2012

FNO: "Finnish author Sofi Oksanen's Purge has earned overwhelming international success as both a novel and play. Next we will see how this moving story about the painful episodes in Estonian history looks and sounds as an opera. Few new operas in Finland have aroused as much interest as Purge, generating much discussion far ahead of its premiere. Finland and the rest of the world eagerly await this momentous opera, a new work from the Estonian composer Jüri Reinvere. Star soprano Helena Juntunen has signed on to appear in the leading role." Performances: 20/4, 24/4, 3/5, 5/5, 8/5, 12/5, 15/5, 19/5, 23/5 and 25/5.2012. Among other soloists: Johanna Rusanen-Kartano, Heli Veskus, Melis Jaatinen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Tuomas Katajala, Juha Riihimäki and Marko Nykänen. Read more from Blog by composer.

FIMIC: Purge premieres at the FNO

Sibelius recital in London - Essi Luttinen & Roope Gröndahl

Mezzo-soprano Essi Luttinen has been invited to give a recital concert together with pianist Roope Gröndahl in London on 3 pm Sunday 22nd April 2012 at Burgh House, London. The concert is a part of the Sibelius-Simberg Exhibition 18th to 22nd April and the recital programme will include songs by Jean Sibelius. Booking and further info:secretary@anglofinnishsociety.co.uk

Bretagne Saxophone Academy

The 1st Bretagne Saxophone Academy will take place from 13th to 18th August at Rostrenen, Bretagne. Teachers are Joonatan Rautiola, saxophone, Alexander Souillart, saxopohne, Matthieu Acar, piano and Mikko Merjanen, piano. Registration limit will be 1st June 2012. Read more.

Latest Releases by Festium artists:

Coming out next: Second solo CD from Las Chicas del Tango...

Milla Viljamaa solo album "Minne" LISTEN "Myrsky kuumailmapallossa"

FIMIC 13 Sept 2011:"In addition to the long tradition, Finnish folk music is also about a personal voice and creative musical expression, immanent in all of the albums mentioned. This feature is especially highlighter with the second solo album, Minne (MVCD001), of keyboardist Milla Viljamaa, known for his several tango groups and other ensembles. The new album explores the area between reality and fantasy with imaginative sound effects and charming tunes."

Johanna Juhola Reaktori: Tango Roto Live (Released on 11 Dec, 2010)

ALBA Records 11/2010: Jean Sibelius, "Intimate Landscapes for piano, pianist Tuija Hakkila

Eduardo and his Brazilian Aeroplane: Bo Kaspers (incl. Johanna Juhola)

ARC MUSIC / Fg-Naxos: Tango-Orchestra Unto, "Cold love"

IMOGENA Records: "Let It Go" by jazzmusician Emma Larsson

TEXICALLI Records: "Fantasiatango" by accordionist Johanna Juhola

Festium Oy has moved to a new address:

Festium Office has moved to a new address from 15th March 2011: Eteläinen Hesperiankatu 8 B 36, 00100 Helsinki