Timo Nuoranne from Helsinki Directs Cappella Romana in “Arctic Light: Finnish Orthodox Music” in January 2014
Back by popular demand, this program of sumptuous choral works from the Orthodox Church of Finland was first performed to sold-out audiences in 2008.
Timo Nuoranne, a faculty member at the Sibelius Academy of Music in Helsinki and one of the world’s leading experts in the Finnish choral repertoire, will direct.
The program will include 20th-century works from the Finnish Orthodox Church, including selections of the (in)famous Vigilia by Einojuhani Rautavaara, of which Nuoranne has made the definitive recording.
Cappella Romana’s 20th CD release, of this program “Arctic Light,” will be pre-released at the concerts.
Guest director Timo Nuoranne will present a free pre-concert talk on the Finnish choral tradition one hour prior to each performance.
PORTLAND: Fri., Jan. 17, 2014, 8pm, St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1739 NW Couch St (at 18th)
SEATTLE: Sat., Jan. 18, 2014, 8pm, St. Joseph’s Parish, 732 18th Ave East
TICKETS: Order online or call 503.236.8202 or call Box Office Tickets at 800.494.8497 (phone service fee applies). Platinum, Gold & Silver seating available. Prices start at $25, with discounts for seniors, students & Arts for All.
“Arctic Light: Finnish Orthodox Music” will feature nineteen of the finest singers in the Northwest.
Notes about the program
While Orthodoxy was the earliest form of Christianity to reach Finland, its sacred music was initially drawn from the Russian Slavic tradition. During the 20th century, Finnish church music composers produced a new wealth of choral music written in their native language, stimulated by the post-WWII nationalist movement and solidified by Finland’s declaration of neutrality during the Cold War-era. The resulting style celebrated both heritage and history, marrying the shining Northern clarity of sound with the sonic richness of its Russian roots.
“Arctic Light” will feature music from this style, including works by Pekka Attinen, Boris Jakubov, and Leonid Bashmakov, as well as contemporary works by modern Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara. British composer Ivan Moody’s “Te apostolit,” a work in Finnish on the Dormition of Mother of God, is also featured on the program.
You must be logged in to post a comment.