HANCOCK - Finlandia University presented the 10th Annual
Sibelius Academy Music Festival last week which took
place in two venues, first in Hancock and then concluding
in Eagle Harbor.
The series of three concerts showcases the
professional-level talent of musicians from the Sibelius
Academy of Helsinki, Finland.
The Sibelius Acadamy Music Festival is an annual
celebration of the Copper Country's Finnish heritage and
the furtherance of our contemporary connections with
Finland."
"Since 1999, Finlandia University and the Sibelius Music
Academy have collaborated to bring a taste of Finland's
musical excellence to Michigan's Upper Peninsula and the
Midwest" stated Finlandia President Phillip Johnson.
"The annual international event promotes the enjoyment
and appreciation of contemporary and traditional Finnish
classical music, and strengthens Finnish-American ties
with modern Finland. More than 50 Sibelius Academy
students have performed as part of this festival"
Johnson said.
The first concert
in the classical music festival took place Wednesday, July
30th, with a concert by mezzosporano Melis Jaatinen and
her piano accompanist. Maija Vtiistinen, at the Finnish
American Heritage Center, Hancock. The concert was
preceded by a free performance of the local Kivajat
Dancers, a children's traditional dance troupe directed
by Kay Seppala. The feature performance begins at 7:30
p.m.
The second
concert took place on Thursday, July 31st . Pianist Joonas Ahonen
performed at the Finnish American Heritage Center,
That concert was preceded by the Noteworthy
Chorus, a local women's a cappella vocal ensemble
directed by Theresa Goodell.
The third and final Sibelius Festival concert took
place Friday, August 1st, at St. Peter's by the
Sea Church in Eagle Harbor, Mich., The concert featured Kaisa Koivula, playing clarinet, and Jukka Ojala,
playing accordion.
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