Finnish music programs slated for March 24 -31 in Portand, West Linn, Astoria, Rosburg and Seattle
Pacific Northwest choral music fans will have a rare opportunity in late March to enjoy the voices of Finland's Sonore Chamber Choir, on its first tour of the United States.
“This is truly a rare chance to hear beautiful Finnish choral music, sung in its original language,” said Greg Jacobs, president of the Finandia Foundation Columbia-Pacific Chapter. “Because Finnish is not spoken anywhere but Finland and so very different from other languages, this wonderful music doesn’t get the exposure that it deserves.”
Sponsored by the Finlandia Foundation Columbia-Pacific Chapter, the 15-member Sonore Chamber Choir hails from the town of Äänekoski in central Finland. Sonore is the Latin word meaning sonorous, or a deep, rich sound. Tickets are available at the door of each venue, and the suggested donation is $5. An English translation of lyrics will be provided on program handouts.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Sunday, March 24, 2013, 3:00 pm, Spiritual and Secular Program, Messiah Lutheran Church, 7434 N Charleston Ave.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Tuesday, March 26, 2013, 7:00 pm, Spiritual Program, First Christian Church, 1314 SW Park Ave.
WEST LINN, Ore. —Wednesday, March 27, 2013, 6:00 pm, Secular Program, West Linn Unity Center, 20255 Willamette Dr.
ASTORIA, Ore. — Thursday, March 28, 2013, 7:00 pm, Spiritual Program, Peace Lutheran Church, 565 12th St.
ROSBURG, Wash. — Friday, March 29, 2013, 7:00 pm, Spiritual Program, Valley Bible Church, 4723 SR 4 West
SEATTLE, Wash. — Sunday, March 31, 2013, Noon, Spiritual and Secular Program, Finnish Lutheran Church, 8504 13th Ave NW
In addition to “classical” Finnish composers, such as Jean Sibelius and Fredrik Pacius, Sonore’s secular program highlights the work of contemporary composers, inspired and influenced by Finnish folk tales and melodies, jazz and popular music. Common Finnish themes and lyrics are nature, love and homeland. Modern Finnish composers include Heikki Valpola, Asko Vilen, Heikki Sarmanto, Chisu and Kaj Chydenius.
The spiritual program also combines traditional music and modern reinterpretations, revolving around the themes of prayer and gratitude. The Finnish composers include Kari Tikka, Miia Makaroff,Oscar Merikanto, Heino Kaski and Lasse Heikkilä.
The choir was founded in 1991, and in recent years, new singers have joined the founding members. “We work very hard at making our music fly into the hearts of our listeners,” said choir director Malla Kärkkäinen. Tiina Kuusisto is the choir’s president.
For more information, contact Katariina Lehtonen at the Finlandia Foundation Columbia-Pacific Chapter, harrskog@comcast.net, (503) 697-2936.
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