Energetic, melancholic and mystical – Helsinki is all that. It is international, it swims upstream, it is a classic. The city’s diversity resonates with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert on the Night of the Arts. The concert format also supports the diversity: it is performed at Musiikkitalo and broadcast in three parks in Helsinki.
The concert features works from three composers, all born in or residents of Helsinki. Lotta Wennäkoski’s five-minute Flounce was premiered at the 2017 BBC Proms in London’s Royal Albert Hall, ensuring the composer’s international breakthrough.
This modern hit is followed by Einojuhani Rautavaara’s early work A Requiem in Our Time, which he dedicated to his mother. Composed for brass instruments and percussion, it made Rautavaara famous in the United States, as well.
The concert ends with Uuno Klami’s impressive Kalevala Suite, which the composer worked on for nearly two decades. The work left behind the national romantic heaviness and brought Kalevala into the modern world.
The Kalevala Suite premiered in 1943, and was performed by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra back then as well.
The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste.
Lotta Wennäkoski: Flounce
Einojuhani Rautavaara: A Requiem in Our Time
Uuno Klami: Kalevala Suite
Yes, but only before or after the concert. During the concert we just want you to enjoy the music. This way you won’t disturb the musicians or other audience members.
Only the orchestra has a dress code. You can dress as you like.
You can give the ticket to a friend or donate it to a music student by calling 09-3102 2700 or sending an e-mail to helsinki.philharmonic@hel.fi by 3pm on the day of the concert.
