News
Season 2012/13
Helsinki Chamber Choir's season 2012/13 concerts are now available here.
A word from the Artistic Director
At the time of writing, the Helsinki Chamber Choir and I have just returned from the Time of Music Festival in Viitasaari. We performed two extremely challenging programmes there, including the final concert of the International Einojuhani Rautavaara Competition, which featured six world premieres. Once again, our singers showed that they can truly measure themselves against the best in the world, and the fact that they are prepared to sacrifice a part of their holidays to sing difficult and unusual music speaks volumes for their dedication and commitment. I am truly honoured to spend a sixth season working with this marvellous group of musicians.
Our 2012/13 programme features established masterpieces alongside Finnish classics and a generous helping of exciting and innovative new music, including three world premieres. In August we look forward to welcoming the world-renowned Rinaldo Alessandrini to conduct Monteverdi’s dramatic Vespers (1610) in a joint concert with our long-term partners, the Helsinki Baroque Orchestra. It is an especial pleasure to welcome back James Wood in November following his highly successful debut with the choir last spring. James has put together a fascinating programme of (mostly) early English music rarely performed in Finland. Not to be missed!
Our spring concerts focus on new music. Alongside premieres by Kalevi Aho, Timothy Page and Ville Raasakka, we will perform the winning work of the Rautavaara Competition, Zesses Seglias’ [α-]. I am very happy that we are also able to continue our collaboration with the energetic and inspiring Uusinta Chamber Ensemble.
In August, we are the guests of the Turku Music Festival and the Finnish Baroque Orchestra in the illustrious company of Sandrine Piau, Topi Lehtipuu and Hannu Lintu, singing Handel’s Ode for St Cecilia’s Day. And we are delighted that Kymi Sinfonietta, one of Finland’s most innovative regional orchestras, has invited us for a second collaboration, following concerts in Kotka and Kouvola in 2009. This will be a rare chance to hear one of Einojuhani Rautavaara’s most unusual works, True and False Unicorn.
Please join us for another varied season of concerts and do consider becoming a Friend of the choir. We are very grateful to all the bodies that have provided generous support for the choir’s work since 2005. However, much still needs to be done to cement the place of professional choral singing in Finnish musical life and every little bit helps! Your support is greatly appreciated.
Nils Schweckendiek
Rautavaara Workshop and Competition 2012
Read more about the International Einojuhani Rautavaara Chamber Choir Composition Workshop and Competition 2012 on the event's website.