Nordic utopia
”Nordic region is a collection of countries we can’t tell apart.”
A. A. Gill, Sunday Times
People have always left this place, often for work, sometimes fleeing famine. We’ve
pillaged, we’ve plundered, and we’ve gone to war. We’ve sailed to the New World in
search of inspiration, explored the great cities of Europe seeking out decadent debauchery.
In the 19th century, nationalism was a popular souvenir to bring home, while in the
20th century our equality became a valuable export.
The door to the North has always been open too: we have always needed lots of new
arrivals, skilled workers and teachers. Many people came here out of curiosity, simply to
marvel at our endless light and its sudden disappearance. People still come here to marvel.
Snow fascinates those of us who live in the North too, especially as the sight of our
beautiful landscapes draped in snow and frost can no longer be taken for granted.
We live across five different countries that some commentators think are hard to tell
apart. Polling tells us that the prize for the happiest country in the world passes between
us year upon year. We read this in the newspaper and smirk – can this really be true,
despite the harsh climate and though we are so fiercely protective of our privacy? Most
things here are expensive, and many people find life dreary. And yet, so many people
who have left our lands end up returning – maybe things here aren’t that bad after all, it’s
safe here, there aren’t too many traffic jams, you can build your own house near some
lovely paths running through the countryside.
New arrivals and those returning home have always brought something fresh and impor-
tant with them. A new self-image, perhaps, or a clearer sense of what a Nordic person is
like, what kind of life we want to live, what kind of society we should build and preserve.
Artists have the desire and the ability to share their own observations and convictions
with the rest of us. This year’s festival programme features many of the sonic inspirations
of these (cross-)cultural explorations, the creators of our national identities, those who
have brought and those who have taken, migrants, returning ex-pats, societal transformers,
and all those who extend and enrich the uniqueness of our culture.
With that in mind, we wish you a warm welcome to the furthest corner of the Nordic
countries. Now you can hear what our home really sounds like!
Minna Pensola and Antti Tikkanen
Artistic Directors
Programme notes by Minna Pensola and Antti Tikkanen unless otherwise stated. English translations by David Hackston. The festival reserves the right to modify the program and line-up.
“I think it is fair to say that in the rest of the world, as far as they are thought of at all, Scandinavian countries are broadly perceived as democratic, meritocratic, egalitarian and classless, populated by vaguely outdoorsy, blond, liberal, bicycle-riding folk who live in tastefully lit middle-class homes with Bang & Olufsen TVs in their living rooms, mid-range German estate cars in their driveways (Passat, not Mercedes), who holiday in Spain and slip a couple of notes in a Red Cross envelope every month.”
Michael Booth: ”The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the myth of the Scandinavian utopia”.
Sunday 13.7.2025
1. 15.00 Lentiira Church — €27/21
Lentiiran kirkkotie 51 (driving time from the centre approx. 45 min)
NORDIC BEAT – TRAMPA TAKTEN! – POHJOLAN POLJENTO
Sunday 13.7.2025
2. 19.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €33/25 *
RED NOSE COMPANY & META4
The performance centres around Jean Sibelius’s most famous chamber music work,
the String Quartet in D minor ‘Voces intimae’. At the time of composing ‘Voces intimae’,
Sibelius had been diagnosed with a throat tumour, and this greatly influenced his
compositional process. Death and the fears associated with it form a key framework for any
interpretation of ‘Voces intimae’, providing the piece with its central thematic context. This
performance is in Finnish and will be subtitled in English.
Intimate Voices, Incidental Music for two clowns and string quartet (2025, premier)
Jean Sibelius (1865—1957):
String Quartet in D minor, Op. 56 'Voces intimae' (1909)
Max Richter (1966—):
On the Nature of Daylight (2004, arr. for string quartet by B. K. Lindgren)
Kaija Saariaho (1952—2023):
Excerpts from Terra Memoria for string quartet (2007)
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):
Mov. Heiliger Dankgesang from String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op. 132 (1825)
The duration of the concert is about two hours. There is an intermission.
Monday 14.7.2025
10.00 Salakamari
The Heart of the Day – Minna Pensola and Antti Tikkanen talk about the summer's program and making of it (in Finnish).
Monday 14.7.2025
3. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €27/21
INFLUENCERS – INTERAKTION – VUOROVAIKUTUSTA
The most important musical influencers in 19th century German-speaking Europe made
their mark here in the Nordic countries too, and this interaction was by no means one-
sided. For instance, Danish composer Niels W. Gade and Robert Schumann were very close
friends.
The Italian pianist-composer and general cosmopolitan Ferruccio Busoni held many
significant positions across Europe, including in Finland. As a friend of Martin Wegelius,
Busoni taught piano at the Helsinki Music Institute, later known as the Sibelius Academy,
and became close friends with our very own Sibelius.
J. S. Bach (1685—1750):
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645 (1747–48, arr. for piano by Ferruccio Busoni 1898)
J. S. Bach (1685—1750):
Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein, BWV 734 (1715, arr. for piano by Ferruccio Busoni 1898)
J. S. Bach (1685—1750):
Ich ruf dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639 (1708–17, arr. for piano by Ferruccio Busoni 1898)
Niels Gade (1817—1890):
Four Fantasy Pieces, Op. 43 for clarinet and piano (1864)
Monday 14.7.2025
4. 15.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €15 **
THE EMEPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES – KEJSARENS NYA KLÄDER – KEISARIN UUDET VAATTEET
Children’s concert for ages 6 to 100
The Emperor's New Clothes (folktale by H. C. Andersen, in Finnish)
Duration of the concert one hour, no intermission.
Monday 14.7.2025
5. 18.00 Kuhmo Church — €33/25
HYMNS – HYMNER – HYMNEJÄ
Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1840—1893):
Festival Overture on the Danish National Anthem, Op. 15 (1866, arr. for piano four hands by composer 1866)
This melody is used as the national anthem in at least Norway, the United Kingdom and Liechtenstein.
Adrien-François Servais (1807—1866):
Variations brillantes sur God save the King, Op. 38 for violin and cello
Jean Sibelius (1865—1957):
Finlandia, Op. 26 No. 7 (1899–1900, arr. for piano by composer 1900)
Hymn 22 – Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ (Hymn-along, in Finnish)
The melody from Hymn 22 features in the finale of Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio Op. 66.
Felix Mendelssohn (1809—1847):
Finale from Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66 (1845)
Intermission
Alfred Schnittke (1934—1998):
Hymn II for cello and double bass (1974)
Our beloved Hymn 501 is better known as the national anthem of South Africa.
Enoch Sontonga (1873—1905):
Hymn 501 – Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika (God Bless Africa) (Hymn-along, in Finnish) (1897)
Nowadays, Haydn’s ‘Kaiser’ theme is better known as the national anthem of Germany.
Joseph Haydn (1732—1809):
String Quartet No. 62 in C, Op. 76 No. 3 'Emperor' (1797)
Monday 14.7.2025
6. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21
THAT'S ALL FOLKS – FOLKETS MUSIK – KANSOJEMME MUSIIKKIA
Aulis Sallinen (1935—):
String Quartet No. 3 'Some Aspects of Peltoniemi Hintrik's Funeral March' (1969)
Ole Bull (1810—1880):
Sæterjentens Søndag (Shepherd Girl's Sunday) for flute and piano (1850?, arr. Henri Seiffert)
Olli Moilanen (1987—):
Ilman ja veden välissä (Between Air and Water) for accordion (2024, premier)
Trad.
Ack Värmeland, du Sköna (arr. for string quartet by Danish String Quartet 2014)
Trad.
Sekstur from Vendsyssel/The Peat Dance (arr. for string quartet by Danish String Quartet 2014)
Tuesday 15.7.2025
10.00 Salakamari
The Heart of the Day – baritone Waltteri Torikka (in Finnish)
Tuesday 15.7.2025
7. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €27/21
WITH HYGGE – DET ÄR HYGGE SOM GÄLLER – HYGGEILLÄÄN
“Hygge is a Danish word that describes the cosy, contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality.”
Wikipedia
Oskar Merikanto (1868—1924):
Merellä (At Sea), Op. 47 No. 4 (1891, lyrics: J. H. Erkko)
Oskar Merikanto (1868—1924):
Itkevä huilu (The Weeping Flute), Op. 52 No. 4 (1905, lyrics: Larin-Kyösti)
Oskar Merikanto (1868—1924):
Suvi-illan vieno tuuli (Summer Evening's Gentle Breezes), Op. 87 No. 2 (1915, lyrics: Eino Leino)
Oskar Merikanto (1868—1924):
Nälkämaan laulu (Kainuu Provincial Anthem) (1911, lyrics: Ilmari Kianto)
Oskar Merikanto (1868—1924):
Hymn Oi, muistatko vielä sen virren (Ah, do you remember that hymn), Op. 52 No. 3 (1905, lyrics: Eino Leino)
Oskar Merikanto (1868—1924):
Laatokka (Lake Ladoga), Op. 83 No. 1 (1913, lyrics: Mikko Uotinen)
Johan Svendsen (1840—1911):
Romance in G, Op. 26 (1881, arr. for violin and piano by composer)
Tuesday 15.7.2025
8. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €27/21
WITH LOVE, ROBERT – MVH, ROBERT – RAKKAUDELLA, ROBERT
The interpersonal relationships between composers can manifest themselves in many ways. Look carefully at the final song in Schumann’s Album for the Young. This song begins with the notes G-A-D-E, which might be a nod to his good friend and will give you a clue as to how the concert will continue.
Robert Schumann (1810—1856):
Album für die Jugend (Album for the Young), Op. 68 Nos. 5, 8, 9, 23, 32 and 41 for piano (1848)
Niels Gade (1817—1890):
Capriccio for violin and piano (1878, transcription for flute and piano)
Tuesday 15.7.2025
9. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €33/25
FULL BELLOWS, PEDALS DOWN – DRAG & TRYCK – HARMONIKKA JA HAMMERKLAVIER
Beethoven wanted his own name for the piano – the Hammerklavier or ‘hammered
keyboard’ – to become the standard term for the instrument, and to this end he even
gave his Op. 106 sonata the German title ‘Große Sonate für das Hammerklavier’ (‘Great
Sonata for the Hammerklavier’). Beethoven’s proposed German name didn’t catch on, but
the Sonata itself has presented a challenge to generations of pianists; at the time of its
composition, it was probably the most technically demanding work ever written for the
instrument. Beethoven uses some very detailed performance instructions throughout the
piece: in particular, there are strict instructions about the use of the una corda or ‘mute
pedal' ('the left one').
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):
Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat, Op. 106 'Hammerklavier' (1817–18)
Intermission
Compared to its traditional counterpart, Veli Kujala’s quarter-tone accordion (designed in
collaboration with the Pigini instrument maker) opens up a whole new world of sonic and
expressive possibilities.
Veli Kujala (1976—):
MiXi? for quarter-tone accordion and string quartet (2011)
Meanwhile, Robert Schumann was very taken by the invention of another new piano
pedal, the so-called ‘echo pedal’ (the right one). In his enthusiasm for this new pedal, he
inadvertently invented the genre of the piano quintet.
Robert Schumann (1810—1856):
Piano Quintet in E flat, Op. 44 (1842)
Tuesday 15.7.2025
10. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21
WE CAN'T GO ON LIKE THIS – SÅ HÄR KAN VI INTE FORTSÄTTA – NÄIN EMME VOI JATKAA
‘The Moving Mansions is a homage to the founder of the Turkish state, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk,
who in the 1930s moved an entire mansion in order to save a 400-year-old sycamore tree.
The tree’s branches had started growing above the roof of the mansion next to it, and the
house was duly moved five metres, one centimetre at a time, using train tracks to edge the
foundations to their new location.
Fazil Say (1970—):
The Moving Mansion, Op. 72b for flute, clarinet, violin, cello and piano
Friedrich Kuhlau (1786—1832):
Es kann schon nicht alles so bleiben, Op. 10b No. 4 from 12 Variations and Solos for flute (1810)
“I have thought much
about man’s opportunities in this world,
There are none.
Millions die,
and the rest of us
will end somewhere, let’s say,
in loneliness.
Those who do not think
accuse me of pessimism.”
Hannu Salama
Hannu Salama (1936—):
Poem Minä olen ajatellut paljon (I have thought much)
Homunculus (‘the little man’) is a small, artificial human made of certain constituent parts
and who first appears in texts by the alchemist Paracelsus.
Wikipedia
Esa-Pekka Salonen (1958—):
Homunculus for string quartet (2007)
Wednesday 16.7.2025
10.00 Salakamari
The Heart of the Day – flutist Janne Thomsen (in English)
Wednesday 16.7.2025
11. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €27/21
YEAR 1809 – ÅR 1809 – VUONNA 1809
... Finland and Sweden went their separate ways, and Finland became an autonomous part
of the Russian empire named the Grand Duchy of Finland.
... Mendelssohn was born.
Felix Mendelssohn (1809—1847):
Andante tranquillo, Op. 67 No. 3 from Sechs Lieder ohne Worte (Six Songs without Words) for piano (1834–44, arr. for clarinet and piano by Andreas Ottensamer)
... Pacius was born.
Fredrik Pacius (1809—1891):
Duo for violin and piano (1872)
... Haydn died.
Joseph Haydn (1732—1809):
String Quartet No. 49 in B minor, Op. 64 No. 2 (1790)
“Beethoven’s violin sonatas Op. 30 (1802) are dedicated to Alexander I, a monarch who had
been brought up in the traditions of the enlightenment. In the aftermath of the disaster
that was the French Revolution, his rise to the position of tzar in 1801 was greeted with
enthusiasm among the powers of Enlightenment Europe, Beethoven among them. In
1809, Alexander became the ruler of Finland too. Initially he strove to implement societal
reforms, which aroused Beethoven’s enthusiasm, but ultimately failed to live up to the expectations he raised.”
Paavali Jumppanen
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):
Sonata No. 8 in G, Op. 30 No. 3 for violin and piano (1802)
Wednesday 16.7.2025
12.30 Tuupala Primary School
Student Concert
- Students of the Music Courses
Wednesday 16.7.2025
12. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €27/21
MUSIC & STORIES – KNIT UP! – LÅT OSS STICKA SAGOR! – SATUJA – KUUNNELLAAN JA NEULOTAAN!
In this concert, you can listen to fairytales and knit at the same time. Don’t forget your needles!
Olli Mustonen (1967—):
Anderseniana, Five Pieces on Five Short Tales by Hans Christian Andersen for flute (2023)
Alan Ridout (1934—1996):
Ferdinand the Bull for speaker and violin (1971, text: Munro Leaf)
Carl Reinecke (1824—1910):
Sonata in E minor, Op. 167 for flute and piano 'Undine' (1867)
Wednesday 16.7.2025
13. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €33/25
FAQ – VANLIGA FRÅGOR – USEIN KYSYTYT KYSYMYKSET
At the start of Strauss’s opera Capriccio, we are presented with the eternal question: which
came first – the words or the melody?
Richard Strauss (1864—1949):
Sextet from the Opera Capriccio, Op. 85 (1940–41)
It was a very besotted Felix Mendelssohn who composed the song ‘Ist es wahr?’ The same
question is posed in his first string quartet too, which is essentially half an hour in a
magical wonderland of emotions. There’s no getting closer to the young, smitten Felix than
this.
Felix Mendelssohn (1809—1847):
Frage 'Ist es Wahr?', Op. 9 No. 1 (1827, lyrics: Felix Mendelssohn)
- Else Torp
- Marko Hilpo
Intermission
Erkki Melartin (1875—1937):
Leivo 'Miks', leivo, lennät Suomehen?' (Skylark 'Why haste you here?'), Op. 138 No. 2 (1925–1926?, lyrics: Aleksanteri Rahkonen)
Where have all the flowers gone? Young men are in uniform, young women pick flowers
for their graves. The question posed at the end of the song – when will they ever learn? –
sums up the madness of war.
Peter Seeger (1919—2014):
Where Have All the Flowers Gone? (Sag mir wo die Blumen sind?) (1955, lyrics: Peter Seeger and Joe Hickerson)
- Anna Caroline Olsen
- Marko Hilpo
At the beginning of the final movement of his String Quartet Op. 135, Beethoven wrote the
words ‘Der schwer gefasste Entschluss’ (‘the hard decision’). The first three notes form the
movement’s main motif, and above this Beethoven writes ‘Muss es sein?’ (‘Must it be?’) At
the beginning of the faster section there is another inscription in Beethoven’s own hand –
‘Es muss sein! Es muss sein!’ (‘Yes, it must be!’), the violins respond together.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):
String Quartet No. 16 in F, Op. 135 (1826)
Wednesday 16.7.2025
14. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21
TO BE OR NOT TO BE – ATT VARA ELLER INTE VARA – OLLAKO VAI EIKÖ OLLA
Marzi Nyman (1979—):
A Rotten Rhapsody (2016, lyrics: William Shakespeare)
Thursday 17.7.2025
10.00 Salakamari
The Heart of the Day – actor Alma Pöysti (in Finnish)
Thursday 17.7.2025
15. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €27/21
LET’S HYGGE AGAIN – MERA HYGGE – HYGGEILLÄÄN TAAS
“Hygge is a Danish word that describes the cosy, contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality.”
Wikipedia
Franz Berwald (1796—1868):
Serenade for voice and ensemble (1825, lyrics: unknown)
Franz Schubert (1797—1828):
Die Forelle (The Trout), D. 550 (1817, lyrics: Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart)
- Else Torp
- Nicholas Rimmer
Franz Schubert (1797—1828):
Piano Quintet in A, D. 667 'Trout' (1819)
Thursday 17.7.2025
12.30 Tuupala Primary School
Student Concert
- Students of the Music Courses
Thursday 17.7.2025
16. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €27/21
SISU
“Sisu is a Finnish word variously translated as stoic determination, tenacity of purpose,
grit, bravery, resilience, and hardiness. It is held by Finns to express their national character.”
Wikipedia
The character trait of ‘sisu’ is often associated with us Finns, but we don’t have a monopoly
on it. Rebecca Clarke had to demonstrate considerable resilience in order to achieve
success as a composer. It was only by submitting works to competitions anonymously
that a woman had any chance of success. Though speculation about the composer’s sex
continued to rage long after the competition, a sensation had already been born.
Early on in his career, Jean Sibelius suffered from an acute sense of having arrived too
late, of being behind the curve. While studying in Vienna, he became so depressed at the
success of Gustav Mahler (only five years his senior) that he almost lost all hope. Luckily for
us, he battled on.
Robert Schumann’s wavering and constantly declining mental health caused problems
in both his professional and his family life. One of the most celebrated pianists of her
day, Clara Schumann supported their eight-child family by performing, teaching and
composing.
THIS CONCERT’S FRIEND IS KAINUUN SANOMAT.
Thursday 17.7.2025
17. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €33/25
FISHING IN THE SAME POND – UR SAMMA KÄLLA – SAMOILLA LÄHTEILLÄ
Grieg’s influence on the French style was significant. Inspired by Grieg, Debussy discovered
impressionistic freedom and a new way to express the connection between nature and
music. Debussy’s string quartet is a strong nod towards his older Norwegian colleague.
While working on the quartet, he was also composing his opera Pelléas et Mélisande. In the
Nordic countries, Jean Sibelius was similarly inspired by this same story.
Edvard Grieg (1843—1907):
Spillemӕnd (Fiddlers), Op. 25 No. 1 from Six Poems (1876, lyrics: Henrik Ibsen)
- Anna Caroline Olsen
- Valeria Resjan
Edvard Grieg (1843—1907):
String Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 27 (1877–78)
Intermission
Jean Sibelius (1865—1957):
At the Castle Gate from Pelléas and Mélisande, Op. 46 (1905, arr. for piano by composer 1905)
Jean Sibelius (1865—1957):
Entr' acte from Pelléas and Mélisande, Op. 46 (1905, arr. for piano four hands)
Jean Sibelius (1865—1957):
Mélisande from Pelléas and Mélisande, Op. 46 No. 2 (1905, arr. for violin and piano by Michael Press)
Jean Sibelius (1865—1957):
Pastorale from Pelléas and Mélisande, Op. 46 (1905, arr. for piano four hands)
Thursday 17.7.2025
18. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21 **
NORDIC NOIR
Henning Mankell Jr. (1948—2015):
Extracts from Henning Mankell's Wallander crime novels (in Finnish)
Henning Mankell (1868—1930):
Djupt i skogen (Deep in the Forest), Op. 52 No. 5 from Miniatures for piano (1921)
Henning Mankell (1868—1930):
Spökstämning (Spooky Atmosphere), Op. 27 No. 11 from 12 Small Lyric Pieces for piano (1916)
Henning Mankell (1868—1930):
Kväll (Evening), Op. 27 No. 12 from 12 Small Lyric Pieces for piano (1916)
Henning Mankell (1868—1930):
Notturno from String Quartet No. 2 in F minor, Op. 48 (1919)
Jón Leifs (1899—1968):
Introduzione from Quintet, Op. 50 for flute, clarinet, bassoon, viola and cello (1960)
Improvisation
Jón Nordal (1926—2024):
Why should we dwell on the past and The spinning sound of emptiness from String Quartet Frá draumi til draums (From Dream to Dream) (1996)
Friday 18.7.2025
TODAY'S PARTNERS ARE OP KUHMO AND OP KAINUU.
Friday 18.7.2025
10.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre/Cafeteria Juttua
The Heart of the Day – festival's guest composer Josefine Opsahl (in English)
Friday 18.7.2025
11.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre/Pajakka Hall
Student Concert
- Student of the Music Course
Friday 18.7.2025
19. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €27/21 *
MATINS – BLOMSTERTID – AAMUHARTAUS JA SUVIVIRSI
Erkki Melartin (1875—1937):
Aamurukous (Morning Prayer), Op. 82 No. 1 from Seven Small Pieces for violin and piano (1914–15?)
Jean Sibelius (1865—1957):
Religioso, Op. 78 No. 3 from Four Pieces for violin and piano (1915–17)
Dietrich Buxtehude (1637—1707):
Mein Herz ist bereit, BuxWV 73 cantata for bass, three violins, cello and basso continuo
- Jakob Bloch Jespersen
- Matilda Kaul
- Jonian Ilias Kadesha
- Tami Pohjola
- Jussi Seppänen
- Irina Zahharenkova
Edvard Grieg (1843—1907):
Skogstillhet (Peace of the Woods), Op. 71 No. 4 from Lyric Pieces for piano (1901)
Oscar Byström (1821—1909):
Intermezzo from String Quartet in C minor 'Swedish' (1856, rev. 1895)
Hymn 571 – Den blomstertid nu kommer (Summer Hymn) (1697) (Hymn-along, in Finnish)
Friday 18.7.2025
20. 12.30 Tuupala Primary School — €12
CHAMBER MUSIC WORKSHOP – KAMMARMUSIK VERKSTAD – KAMARIMUSIIKIN TYÖPAJA
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):
Piano Trio No. 5 in D, Op. 70 No. 1 'Ghost' (1808)
- Paavali Jumppanen
- Students of the Music Courses
Johannes Brahms (1833—1897):
String Quintet No. 2 in G, Op. 111 (1890)
- Anna Gebert
- Students of the Music Courses
Friday 18.7.2025
21. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €27/21
MELODRAMA O'CLOCK – EFTERMIDDAGENS MELODRAMA – ILTAPÄIVÄN MELODRAAMA
Jean Sibelius (1865—1957):
Nights of Jealousy, JS 125 for reciter, soprano, violin, cello and piano (1888, text: Johan Ludvig Runeberg)
Josefine Opsahl (1992—):
Piano Trio (2025, commissioned by Kuhmo Chamber Music, premier)
THE JENNY AND ANTTI WIHURI FOUNDATION HAS SUPPORTED THE COMMISSION.
Louis Spohr (1784—1859):
Double String Quartet No. 1, Op. 65 (1823)
Friday 18.7.2025
22. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €33/25
JOLLY! – SKOJ! – LYSTIÄ!
The long-awaited return of our Chamber music fever! An evening full of musical fun and
games, just like in the good old days. Performers include Thomsen, Gotlibovich, Kujala,
Kadesha, M. Pensola, Lubbe, Pöysti, Tikkanen, M. Hilpo, Haapaniemi and Scherzi
Musicali. The evening will be hosted by Minna Lindgren.
The concert will last around two hours (including the intermission).
THIS CONCERT’S PARTNERS ARE OP KUHMO AND OP KAINUU.
Friday 18.7.2025
23. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21
ALWAYS WHERE I'M NOT – ALLTID DÄR JAG INTE ÄR – AINA SIELLÄ MISSÄ EN OLE
“Always where I am not” is a poetic travelogue by a young man journeying across Europe in search of adventure. Making gentle fun of himself, the traveller shares his adventures and
his most secret thoughts, the burning blood in his veins, the yearning for romance – and his many disappointments. The desire for the new, the weird and wonderful, will forever
remain a great illusion.
This concert features poems by Mika Waltari (1908–1979) both sung and recited, in compositions by Anna-Mari Kähärä (1963–).
And I know that my only home is the booming station hall
just before the arrival of the train
And that waiting for me is the sun and the sea,
where I am not,
always where I am not.
Mika Waltari
Mika Waltari (1908—1979):
Poem 23.30 Pikajuna Viipuriin
Anna-Mari Kähärä (1963—):
Tuntematon tie
Anna-Mari Kähärä (1963—):
Kirje
Mika Waltari (1908—1979):
Poem Kevät
Anna-Mari Kähärä (1963—):
Konstantinopeliin
Mika Waltari (1908—1979):
Poem Valtatiet
Anna-Mari Kähärä (1963—):
Täysikuu
Mika Waltari (1908—1979):
Poem Ensimmäinen suudelma
Anna-Mari Kähärä (1963—):
Nuoruus
Mika Waltari (1908—1979):
Poem Teräskukat
Anna-Mari Kähärä (1963—):
Sininen yö
Anna-Mari Kähärä (1963—):
Ja lopuksi
Mika Waltari (1908—1979):
Poem Päiväkirjan teksti
Anna-Mari Kähärä (1963—):
Aurinkolaulu
Poems are sung/recited in Finnish.
This concert’s program was planned before the heated Waltari conversation in December
2024. There will be a discussion session after the concert at the Cafeteria Juttua.
Saturday 19.7.2025
10.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre/Cafeteria Juttua
The Heart of the Day – soprano and cellist Piia Komsi (in Finnish)
Saturday 19.7.2025
24. 11.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21
PASTORAL – PASTORAALI
Matthew Whittall (1975—):
Devil's Gate for oboe, bassoon and piano (2014–15)
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):
Symphony No. 6, Op. 68 'Pastoral' (1808, arr. for string sextet by M. G. Fischer 1810)
Saturday 19.7.2025
25. 15.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21
WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD – SÅ SKÖN ÄR VÅR JORD – NIIN KAUNIS ON MAA
“Over 50% of sparrows have disappeared from Finland since 2015, and sadly the same phenomenon is being repeated across Europe. […] Quite apart from the devastation of widespread extinction, the loss of the sparrow would represent a cultural and historical loss too. The quiet, homely nature of the sparrow has been a constant source of inspiration for Finnish artists, writers and musicians. The common sparrow is a symbol of modesty, humility and selflessness in contrast to the vanity of the peacocks.”
Jussi Lehmusvesi, Helsingin Sanomat
Armas Järnefelt (1869—1958):
Varpunen (The Sparrow) (1895, lyrics: Suonio/pseud.)
“Climate change is advancing in Sámi territories three times faster than elsewhere.
According to a recent report, Finland has not taken sufficient action to preserve Sámi
culture in the face of climate change.”
YLE 9/2024
Arne Sørlie (1947—):
The Song of the Sámi Family, the Official Sámi Anthem (instrumentation for string quartet by Minna Pensola)
“Clouds will determine the fate of humanity. Either the climate will become a threat to
our entire existence, or it will be a complex challenge that we will have to learn to live
with. The latest models indicate that the impact of clouds will make things even more
complicated.”
Timothy Palmer, University of Oxford
Jovanka Trbojević (1963—2017):
Sky Shopping - Hommage à Brahms from the Opera Absurdium for soprano and cello (2011–12, lyrics: Jovanka Trbojević)
“Well, well,” said the marabou stork, who was beginning to feel touched. “I think I had
better put you down on dry land and try to rescue a few more before the sun goes down.
It’s very pleasant, rescuing people.” And then he took them back to the shore while they all
talked at the same time about all the dreadful things they had been through. All along the
shore people had lit fires at which they were warming themselves and cooking food, for
most had lost their homes.
Tove Jansson: The Moomins and the Great Flood (tr. David McDuff)
Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre (1665—1729):
Le Déluge, Cantata for soprano, bass and continuo (1711, lyrics: Antoine Houdar de La Motte)
Michelangelo Falvetti (1642—1692):
In Terra - Motor Divino from the Oratorio Il diluvio universale (The Universal Flood) (lyrics: Vincenzo Giattini)
Michelangelo Falvetti (1642—1692):
In l'arca di Noè - Cangia dolce mio Dio from the Oratorio Il diluvio universale (The Universal Flood) (lyrics: Vincenzo Giattini)
Michelangelo Falvetti (1642—1692):
In l'arca di Noè - Ecco l'iride paciera from the Oratorio Il diluvio universale (The Universal Flood) (lyrics: Vincenzo Giattini)
THE ENSEMBLE’S TRAVEL EXPENSES TO KUHMO HAVE BEEN SUPPORTED BY THE WALLONIE-BRUXELLES INTERNATIONAL.
Saturday 19.7.2025
26. 18.00 Kuhmo Church — €33/25
ANNUAL CYCLE – ÅRETS GÅNG – VUODENKIERTO
Edvard Grieg (1843—1907):
Våren (Last Spring), Op. 33 No. 2 for voice and piano (1873–80, lyrics: Aasmund Olavsson Vinje)
- Else Torp
- Anna Kuvaja
Antonio Vivaldi (1678—1741):
Violin Concerto in E, Op. 8 No. 1 'Spring' (1723)
Antonio Vivaldi (1678—1741):
Violin Concerto in G minor, Op. 8 No. 2 'Summer' (1723)
Intermission
Erna Tauro (1916—1993):
Höstvisa (Autumn Song) (1965, lyrics: Tove Jansson)
- Anna Caroline Olsen
- Marko Hilpo
- Alma Pöysti
Antonio Vivaldi (1678—1741):
Violin Concerto in F, Op. 8 No. 3 'Autumn' (1723)
Jukka Harju (1975—):
Frozen Elegy for French horn, violin, piano and voice (2015, lyrics: Panu Tuomi)
Antonio Vivaldi (1678—1741):
Violin Concerto in F minor, Op. 8 No. 4 'Winter' (1723)
Saturday 19.7.2025
27. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21
NORDIC PASSION: TANGO – GALNA FÖR TANGO – TANGO, INTOHIMOMME
The festival’s now traditional tango concert draws in both chamber-music veterans and
tango enthusiasts alike. The programme includes tango classics from the world of chamber
music, such as those by Elena Kats-Chernin and Aulis Sallinen, and Jacob Gade’s Tango
Jalousie (Jealousy) – Denmark’s gift to tango lovers – not forgetting Finnish favourites
from Satumaa to Nuoruustango. Tonight’s performers include festival artists Veli Kujala
(accordion), Marko Hilpo (piano), Jani Pensola (double bass), and Minna Pensola (violin),
Paddington Trio, with special guests singers Waltteri Torikka & Pekka Mikkola and guitarist
Marzi Nyman.
THIS CONCERT’S FRIEND IS THE PATRON’S ASSOCIATION OF THE KUHMO CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL.
Sunday 20.7.2025
10.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre/Cafeteria Juttua
The Heart of the Day – Minna Lindgren talks about the Festival's program (in English).
Sunday 20.7.2025
28. 11.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €33/25
TIME TRAVEL I – TIDSRESA I – AIKAMATKA I – KUHMO FESTIVAL 40 YEARS AGO
Robert Schumann (1810—1856):
Sonata No. 2 in D minor, Op. 121 for violin and piano (1851)
Igor Stravinsky (1882—1971):
Suite from l'Histoire du Soldat (1918–19, arr. for clarinet, violin and piano by the composer)
Intermission
Alexander Glazunov (1865—1936):
String Quintet in A, Op. 39 (1892)
WEEKLY SEASON TICKET I ENDS/WEEKLY SEASON TICKET II BEGINS. (Concerts 1
and 47 are not included in the weekly season tickets.)
Sunday 20.7.2025
29. 15.00 Kuhmo Church — €27/21
SAVE THE BIRDS – FÅGELSÅNG – LINTUKOTO
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872—1958):
Lark Ascending (1914, arr. for flute and string quintet by Martin Gerigk 2013)
Kimmo Hakola (1958—):
Dumetorum Luscinia from Two Imaginary Birds, Op. 114 for soprano and cello (2023)
Joseph Haydn (1732—1809):
String Quartet No. 53 in D, Op. 64 No. 5 'Lark' (1790)
Sunday 20.7.2025
30. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €33/25
PEACE PRIZE – FREDSPRIS – RAUHANPALKINTO
Several wars had an impact on Einar Englund’s life. His family fled the war from Oulu to
Sweden in 1916, the Winter War interrupted his music studies and took his brother to the
grave, and the Continuation War sent him to the front where he was injured, dashing his
hopes of a career as a pianist. It was only after this that his journey as a composer began.
Einar Englund (1916—1999):
Sonata for violin and piano (1979)
As Europe plunged towards the Great War, Ravel worked feverishly on his Piano Trio, which
he wanted to complete before joining the military; he was too old and short for the air
force, so he became an ambulance driver instead.
Maurice Ravel (1875—1937):
Piano Trio in A minor (1914)
Intermission
Matthew Arnold’s bleak text was set to music on the eve of the World War II – a
warning of the loss of faith and hope.
Samuel Barber (1910—1981):
Dover Beach, Op. 3 for baritone and string quartet (1931, lyrics: Matthew Arnold)
Dmitry Shostakovich (1906—1975):
String Quartet No. 8 in C minor, Op. 110 (1960)
Sunday 20.7.2025
31. 21.00 Kuhmo Church — €27/21
FOR THE VICTIMS OF WAR – FÖR KRIGETS OFFER – SODAN UHREILLE
W. A. Mozart (1756—1791):
Requiem in D minor, K. 626 (1791, arr. for vocal quartet and string quartet by Atte Kilpeläinen and Meta4)
THEATRE OF VOICES’ CONCERTS IN KUHMO ARE SUPPORTED BY THE JENNY AND ANTTI WIHURI FOUNDATION.
Monday 21.7.2025
10.00 Salakamari
The Heart of the Day – artistic directors Minna Pensola and Antti Tikkanen talk about the second week's program (in Finnish).
Monday 21.7.2025
32. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €27/21
HANDEL OF SWEDEN & HAYDN OF FINLAND – SVENSKA HÄNDEL, FINSKA HAYDN – RUOTSIN HÄNDEL, SUOMEN HAYDN
Johan Helmich Roman (1694—1758):
Trio Sonata in F sharp minor, BeRi 109
Georg Friedrich Handel (1685—1759):
Trio Sonata in A, Op. 5 No. 1 (1739)
Erik Tulindberg (1761—1814):
String Quartet No. 4 in G, Op. 2 No. 1 (reconstruction Anssi Mattila)
Monday 21.7.2025
33. 15.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21
SEQUELS – FÖLJETONG – JATKOTARINOITA
Improvisation
Monday 21.7.2025
34. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €33/25
NORDIC SUPERSTARS – NORDENS STJÄRNOR – POHJOLAN TÄHTIÄ
Carl Nielsen (1865—1931):
Two Fantasy Pieces, Op. 2 for oboe and piano (1889)
The violinist and composer Agnes Tschetschulin, star pupil of the Helsinki Music Institute
(later, the Sibelius Academy), continued her studies in Berlin under the tutelage of Joseph
Joachim, who was himself one of the most acclaimed virtuoso violinists of the 19th
century and a close friend of Johannes Brahms. Tschetschulin had a successful career as
a soloist and chamber musician in Central Europe before moving to Great Britain, where
she became professor of the violin at the prestigious Cheltenham Ladies’ College. She
continued performing and composing until the end of her life. The Tschetschulin family
were staunch supporters of women’s equality. Indeed, Agnes’s older sister Maria was the
first woman to graduate from high school in the Nordic countries.
Agnes Tschetschulin (1859—1942):
Berceuse for violin and piano (1888)
Jean Sibelius (1865—1957):
Souvenir, Op. 79 No. 1 from Six Pieces for violin and piano (1915–17)
The Norwegian Ole Bull was, without a doubt, the greatest violin virtuoso of his time in
the Nordic countries and a rather peculiar character in general. He played a violin with
a specially shaped bridge, designed for the unique effects he invented. He celebrated his
66th birthday by climbing to the top of the Pyramid of Cheops. His success also brought
great wealth, which allowed Bull to purchase land in North America, where he founded the
Oleana colony in Pennsylvania. He supported the young Edvard Grieg and encouraged him
to explore and incorporate local Norwegian folk melodies into his musical idiom.
In 1838, Ole Bull gave a highly acclaimed concert in Helsinki, and his visit sparked a real
violin craze among young people in the city. The Finnish poet Zacharias Topelius was in the
audience with his fellow students, and there are several entries about the experience in his diaries.
Ole Bull (1810—1880):
Polacca Guerriera for violin and piano (1835, rev. 1864)
Intermission
Franz Berwald (1796—1868):
Septet in B flat for clarinet, bassoon, French horn, violin, viola, cello and double bass (1828)
THIS CONCERT’S FRIEND IS THE CITY OF KUHMO.
Monday 21.7.2025
35. 21.00 Kuhmo Church — €27/21
DUSK – AFTON – EHTOO
Trad.
Se solen sjunker (See the Sun Setting, Swedish folk song) (arr. Isak Albert Berg)
- Jakob Bloch Jespersen
- Stephanie Tang
Tuesday 22.7.2025
10.00 Salakamari
The Heart of the Day – Minna Lindgren talks about the program for the next few days (in Finnish).
Tuesday 22.7.2025
36. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €27/21
QUEEN CHRISTINA'S COURT – DROTTNING KRISTINAS HOV – KUNINGATAR KRISTIINAN HOVI
Arcangelo Corelli (1653—1713):
Trio Sonata in G, Op. 1 No. 9 from 12 Sonatas (1681)
Johan Helmich Roman (1694—1758):
Trio Sonata in A, BeRi 114
Alessandro Scarlatti (1660—1725):
Cantata O penosa lontananza, H. 497 for soprano, bass and continuo (lyrics: unknown)
Alessandro Scarlatti (1660—1725):
Cantata Sono un'alma tormentata, H. 672 for soprano, bass and continuo (lyrics: unknown)
Tuesday 22.7.2025
37. 15.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21
FIKA
“Fika, the delightful custom of enjoying a coffee and a treat with friends, is as Swedish as ABBA.”
visitsweden.com
John Cage (1912—1992):
Living Room Music (1940, lyrics quoted from The World is Round by Gertrude Stein)
- Anna Caroline Olsen
- Minna Pensola
- Antti Tikkanen
- Ari Vilhjálmsson
Ilkka Kuusisto (1933—):
Suomalainen vieraanvara (Finnish Hospitality) for vocal and piano (1972, lyrics: Helena Vuorenjuuri)
J. S. Bach (1685—1750):
Cantata 'Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht', BWV 211 'Coffee Cantata' (1734, lyrics: Christian Friedrich Henrici)
- Else Torp
- Paul Bentley-Angell
- Jakob Bloch Jespersen
- Kaisa Kortelainen
- Anna Gebert
- Kreeta-Maria Kentala
- Barbora Hilpo
- Jussi Seppänen
- Jani Pensola
- Nicolas Achten
Tuesday 22.7.2025
38. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €33/25
HOT SPOT I – TREFFPUNKT I – KOHTAAMISIA I: LEIPZIG
In the mid 19th century, Leipzig was a real ‘hot spot’, where both the Mendelssohns and
the Schumanns were heavily involved in cultural life. The city attracted many Nordic
composers too. People met in Leipzig, established friendships and brought an array of
influences back home with them. And it was in Leipzig that the Norwegian Christan
Sinding, the Swede Amanda Maier, the Dutchman Julius Röntgen (who later married
Maier) and the Dane Niels W. Gade together helped make the ‘Nordic sound’ so instantly
recognisable. This sound is still very popular in Germany today – and for good reason!
Julius Röntgen (1855—1932):
Serenade No. 2 for wind quintet (1928)
Niels Gade (1817—1890):
String Octet in F, Op. 17 (1848)
Intermission
Amanda Maier-Röntgen (1853—1894):
Swedish Airs and Dances, Op. 6 No. 2 for violin and piano (1882)
Christian Sinding (1856—1941):
Piano Quintet in E minor, Op. 5 (1882–84)
Tuesday 22.7.2025
39. 21.00 Kuhmo Church — €27/21
LATE NIGHT LEIPZIG – NATTLIG LEIPZIG – ILTA LEIPZIGISSA
J. S. Bach (1685—1750):
Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 for solo violin (1720, arr. for violin and piano by Robert Schumann)
While Christoph Graupner was serving as court conductor in Hesse-Darmstadt in the
1710s, the local opera and music scene were beset by various financial difficulties. Salaries
might go unpaid or were at least reduced due to the lack of productions. For this reason,
Graupner sought better opportunities and applied for the position of cantor at St. Thomas
School in Leipzig. Indeed, he was eventually offered the post, and his future employer
wrote to Hesse-Darmstadt requesting Graupner’s release from his current duties. However,
the Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt, Ernst Ludwig, did not want to lose his court composer.
He paid the overdue wages and even offered a generous pay rise, which convinced
Graupner to stay. Thus, the position in Leipzig remained vacant. The next applicant for the
post was a composer by the name of Johann Sebastian Bach.
Christoph Graupner (1683—1760):
Trio Sonata in E, GWV 208 (1741 ca.)
C. Ph. E. Bach (1714—1788):
Trio Sonata in C minor, H. 579 'Sanguineus et Melancholicus' (1749)
Wednesday 23.7.2025
10.00 Salakamari
The Heart of the Day – Junio Kimanen and students of the music courses (in English)
- Junio Kimanen
- Students of the Music Courses
Wednesday 23.7.2025
40. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €27/21
NORDIC VISIONS – NORDISKA VISIONER – POHJOISIA NÄKYJÄ
Edvard Grieg (1843—1907):
Morgenstemning (Morning Mood) from Peer Gynt Suite I, Op. 46 No. 1 (1874–75, arr. for piano by composer)
Armas Järnefelt (1869—1958):
Pääskylle (To a Swallow) (1895, lyrics: Jooseppi Mustakallio)
Armas Järnefelt (1869—1958):
Leivo (The Lark) (1920, lyrics: Aleksanteri Rahkonen)
Carl Nielsen (1865—1931):
The Children are playing from Moderen (Mother), Op. 41 for flute
Carl Nielsen (1865—1931):
Faith and Hope are playing from Moderen (Mother), Op. 41 for flute and viola
Carl Nielsen (1865—1931):
The Fog is lifting from Moderen (Mother), Op. 41 for flute, viola and cello
Seppo Kantonen (1963—):
Nordic Utopia, Suite of Miniatures for violin and double bass (2025, premier)
Wednesday 23.7.2025
12.30 Tuupala Primary School
Student Concert
- Students of the Music Courses
Wednesday 23.7.2025
41. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €27/21
LOST & FOUND – HITTEGODS – LÖYTÖTAVAROITA
W. A. Mozart (1756—1791):
Serenade in C, K. 648 for string trio 'Ganz kleine Nachtmusik' (1766–69 ca.)
Jean Sibelius (1865—1957):
En glad musikant (a Happy Musician), JS 70 for violin (1924–25)
Peasant Baroque from the Sheet Music Library of Ostrobothnia Coast (arr. Antti Järvelä)
Wiljami Anttikainen (alias Vladimir Mendelssohn) (1949—2021):
Lupine for Antti and Minna, composed on a napkin at a pizzeria in Cividale 2017
Wednesday 23.7.2025
42. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €33/25
HOT SPOT II – TREFFPUNKT II – KOHTAAMISIA II: PARIS
The vibrant city on the banks of the Seine has always been an important meeting place
and source of inspiration for many Nordic artists. Our own world-renowned soprano Aino
Ackté recorded Pai, pai, paitaressu in Paris in 1902.
Oskar Merikanto (1868—1924):
Pai, pai, paitaressu (Berceuse Finlandaise), Op. 2 No. 1 (1887, lyrics: Jooseppi Mustakallio)
Cécile Chaminade (1857—1944):
Concertino in D, Op. 107 for flute and piano (1902)
In 1894, Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish captain in the French army, became the target of an
antisemitic conspiracy; he was falsely convicted of treason and was handed a life sentence.
In 1899, the truth came to light, and Edvard Grieg cancelled important performances in
what he called ‘shameful France.’ A Frankfurt newspaper published Grieg’s candid letter to
the French concert organisers. The publication caused a scandal in Paris and led to death
threats against Grieg, who no longer dared consider returning to the country. Years later,
when the conductor of the Colonne Orchestra persuaded the composer to perform in Paris
once again, Grieg discovered that the dust had not settled, and for safety reasons, he had to
move around with a police escort.
Edvard Grieg (1843—1907):
Sonata No. 3 in C minor, Op. 45 for violin and piano (1887)
Intermission
Jean-Marie Leclair (1697—1764):
Overture in A, Op. 13 No. 3 for two violins and continuo (1753)
D’Indy was a much sought-after teacher. Even our very own Leevi Madetoja went to Paris to
study with him.
Vincent d'Indy (1851—1931):
Piano Trio No. 2, Op. 98 (1929)
Wednesday 23.7.2025
43. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21
BONBONS – FRANSKA PASTILLER – RANSKALAISIA PASTILLEJA
Jean-Féry Rebel (1666—1747):
Trio Sonata No. 6 in G minor 'L'Immortelle' (1712)
THE SEASON OF LOVE
Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632—1687):
Si l'amour vous soumet à ses loix inhumaines
Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643—1704):
Récit et Bourrée pour la basse de viole from Sonate à 8, H. 548
Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643—1704):
Ah! Qu'ils sont courts les beaux jours', H. 442
Thursday 24.7.2025
10.00 Salakamari
The Heart of the Day – Minna Lindgren delves into the works in the upcoming concerts (in Finnish).
Thursday 24.7.2025
44. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €27/21
FOLLIA <3 FOLK – FOLK FÖLJER FOLLIA – FOLLIAA & FOLKKIA
Seppo Pohjola (1965—):
Piano Quintet (2019)
Trad.
Lampaanpolska (Lamb Polska)
Antonio Vivaldi (1678—1741):
Trio Sonata in D minor, Op. 1/12 'La follia' (1705)
Josefine Opsahl (1992—):
Orbiting Jewels (Hymn for Peace) from Maniai (2024)
Amanda Maier-Röntgen (1853—1894):
Swedish Airs and Dances, Op. 6 Nos. 4 and 6 for violin and piano (1882)
Thursday 24.7.2025
12.30 Tuupala Primary School
Student Concert
- Students of the Music Courses
Thursday 24.7.2025
45. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €27/21
ME SOM ROM – I WAS BORN A ROMANI – TILL ROM ÄR JAG FÖDD – ROMANIKSI OLEN SYNTYNYT
The Romani are among the oldest cultural minorities in the Nordic countries.
Antonín Dvořák (1841—1904):
Má píseň zas mi láskou zní (My song rings out with love again), Op. 55 No. 1 from Gypsy Songs (1880)
Antonín Dvořák (1841—1904):
Aj! Kterak trojhranec můj (Hey, how my triangle), Op. 55 No. 2 from Gypsy Songs (1880)
Antonín Dvořák (1841—1904):
Když mne stará matka (Songs my mother taught me), Op. 55 No. 4 from Gypsy Songs (1880)
Antonín Dvořák (1841—1904):
Široké rukávy (Flowing sleeves and trousers), Op. 55 No. 6 from Gypsy Songs (1880)
Antonín Dvořák (1841—1904):
Dejte klec jestřábu (Give the hawk a cage), Op. 55 No. 7 from Gypsy Songs (1880)
The melody featured in the middle of Pablo de Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen is an important
part of Roma cultural heritage worldwide and has been sung in all recognisable Roma
languages.
“I was born a Roma child,
now I wander free and wild.
Nature’s child, what woes have I
while I roam beneath the sky?
‘Why d’you wander?’ people say,
I don’t know the answer anyway.
Let the migrant bird reply,
or the wandering star on high.”
Miritza Lundberg and Anna Kuvaja will introduce Sarasate’s piece by sharing the
background of both the composition and the original song. Lundberg will also perform the
theme, singing in various Roma dialects.
Pablo de Sarasate (1844—1908):
Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs), Op. 20 for violin and piano (1878)
Thursday 24.7.2025
46. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €33/25
TIME TRAVEL II – TIDSRESA II – AIKAMATKA II – KUHMO FESTIVAL 50 YEARS AGO
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):
Sonata No. 3 in A, Op. 69 for piano and cello (1808)
Franz Schubert (1797—1828):
Sonata in A minor, D. 821 for cello and piano 'Arpeggione' (1824)
Intermission
Richard Strauss (1864—1949):
Sonata in F, Op. 6 for cello and piano (1880–83)
Thursday 24.7.2025
47. 18.00 Sotkamo Church — €27/21 **
EARCANDY FROM KUHMO – ÖRÖNGODIS FRÅN KUHMO – KORVAKARKKIA KUHMOSTA
Ristijärventie 1, 88600 Sotkamo (driving time from the centre of Kuhmo approx. 45 min)
W. A. Mozart (1756—1791):
Larghetto - Allegro from String Quintet No. 5 in D, K. 593 (1790)
Toivo Kuula (1883—1918):
Three South Ostrobothnia Dances, Op. 17a (1908, arr. for violin and cello by Minna Pensola)
Claude Debussy (1862—1918):
Assez vif et bien rythmé from String Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 10 (1893)
Amanda Maier-Röntgen (1853—1894):
Allegro ma non troppo - Trio from String Quartet in A (c. 1870–80)
Joseph Haydn (1732—1809):
Finale from String Quartet No. 49 in B minor, Op. 64 No. 2 (1790)
The concert will be hosted by Antti Tikkanen.
THIS CONCERT IS COOPERATION WITH OSUUSKAUPPA MAAKUNTA AND THE MUNICIPALITY OF SOTKAMO.
Dinner will be available before and after the concert at Break Sokos Hotel
Vuokatti Restaurants (Kidekuja 2). Information and table reservations:
raflaamo.fi/fi/sotkamo.
Thursday 24.7.2025
48. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21
THE BALTIC SEA – ÖSTERSJÖN – ITÄMERI
Edvard Grieg (1843—1907):
Matrosernes Opsang (Sailors' Song), Op. 68 No. 1 from Lyric Pieces for piano (1898)
Sebastian Fagerlund (1972—):
Oceano for violin, viola and cello (2011)
Claude Debussy (1862—1918):
La mer (1905, arr. for piano trio by Sally Beamish 2013)
Friday 25.7.2025
10.00 Salakamari
The Heart of the Day – violinist Miritza Lundberg talks about her doctoral research (in Finnish).
Friday 25.7.2025
11.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre/Pajakka Hall
Student Concert
- Students of the Music Courses
Friday 25.7.2025
49. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €27/21
FROM HOLBERG'S TIME – FRÅN HOLBERGS TID – HOLBERGIN AJOILTA
Kaija Saariaho (1952—2023):
Terra Memoria for string orchestra (2009)
Baroque Dances from Holberg's Time
Edvard Grieg (1843—1907):
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 (1884)
Friday 25.7.2025
50. 13.00 Tuupala Primary School — €12
CHAMBER MUSIC WORKSHOP – KAMMARMUSIK VERKSTAD – KAMARIMUSIIKIN TYÖPAJA
W. A. Mozart (1756—1791):
Piano Quartet in E flat, K. 493 (1786)
- Marianna Shirinyan
- Students of the Music Courses
Edward Elgar (1857—1934):
Piano Quintet in A minor, Op. 84 (1918–19)
- Daniel Rowland
- Students of the Music Courses
Friday 25.7.2025
51. 15.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21
NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE – NOBELPRISTAGARE – NOBELISTEJA
PABLO NERUDA 1971
Andrea Clearfield (1960—):
Three Songs for violin and double bass (after poems by Pablo Neruda)
THOMAS MANN 1929
It was Visconti’s film based on Mann’s Death in Venice that finally immortalised the
Adagietto from Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5.
Gustav Mahler (1860—1911):
Adagietto from Symphony No. 5 (1902, arr. for violin and piano by Otto Wittenbecher)
FRANS EMIL SILLANPÄÄ 1939
Aimo Mustonen (1909—1994):
Sillanpään marssilaulu (Sillanpää Marching Song) (1940, lyrics: Frans Emil Sillanpää)
BOB DYLAN 2016
Bob Dylan (1941—):
Knockin' On Heaven's Door (1973, instrumentation Minna Pensola)
SELMA LAGERLÖF 1909
Elfrida Andrée (1841—1929):
Forgive me from the Opera Frithiof's Saga (1894–95, lyrics: Selma Lagerlöf)
ERNEST MILLER HEMINGWAY 1954
“I used to play cello. My mother kept me out of school a whole year to study music and
counterpoint. She thought I had ability, but I was absolutely without talent. We played
chamber music - someone came in to play the violin; my sister played the viola, and
mother the piano. That cello - I played it worse than anyone on earth.”
Ernest Hemingway, The Paris Review (Spring 1958)
W. A. Mozart (1756—1791):
Piano Quartet in G minor, K. 478 (1785)
Friday 25.7.2025
52. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €33/25
ROMANI VIRTUOSI – ROMSKA VIRTUOSER – ROMANIVIRTUOOSIT
Agnes Tschetschulin (1859—1942):
Alla Zingaresca for violin and piano (1891)
Elena Kats-Chernin (1957—):
Gypsy Ramble for viola, cello and piano (1996)
Intermission
The Miritza Lundberg Ensemble brings Kuhmo Chamber Music a dazzling array of
virtuoso violin melodies, Romani songs, both the traditional and the slightly more rock-
and-roll variety, and a breathtaking display of Romani traditional dance.
- Miritza Lundberg Ensemble
THE KONE FOUNDATION HAS SUPPORTED THE PERFORMANCE AND CONCERT OF ROMANI MUSIC IN KUHMO.
Friday 25.7.2025
53. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21
SUBLIME SCHUBERT – SUBLIM SCHUBERT – SCHUBERTIN SULOA
Franz Schubert (1797—1828):
String Quintet in C, D. 956 (1828)
Saturday 26.7.2025
10.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre/Cafeteria Juttua
The Heart of the Day – psychiatrist Jari Sinkkonen (in Finnish)
Saturday 26.7.2025
54. 11.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €33/25 *
COMPOSERS' CONDITIONS – KONSTNÄRER MED KRÄMPOR – TAITEILIJAT TAUTEINEEN
There are many reasons to examine the history of music from a medical perspective too:
what ailments did composers suffer from, and how did these affect their music? Johann
Sebastian Bach’s fate was sealed by a quack posing as an eye doctor, Beethoven likely
suffered from the troublesome Crohn’s disease, and Mozart’s cause of death has been the
subject of debate for centuries. Child psychiatrist, Doctor of Medicine, and author Jari
Sinkkonen explores fact and fiction surrounding composers’ medical histories (in Finnish).
J. S. Bach (1685—1750):
Siciliano. Largo from Sonata No. 4 in C minor, BWV 1017 for violin and harpsichord (1717–23)
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):
Rondo. Allegro from String Trio in D, Op. 9 No. 2 (1797–98)
Intermission
Jari Sinkkonen explores fact and fiction surrounding composers’ medical histories (in Finnish).
Saturday 26.7.2025
55. 15.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21
GET WELL SOON – KRYA PÅ – PARANE PIAN
J. S. Bach (1685—1750):
Opening Chorus from Church Cantata 'Es ist nichts Gesundes an meinem Leibe', BWV 25 (1723, arr. for string octet by Russ Bartoli and Peter Lang)
This work is dedicated to all those who suffered during the coronavirus pandemic and who
continue to suffer today.
Cecilia Damström (1988—):
Cura, Op. 73 for violin and prepared piano (2020)
George Onslow, sometimes called the French Beethoven, was involved in a hunting
accident in which he sustained a bullet wound to the face and almost lost his life. While
recovering from his wounds, he composed the events into one of his numerous string
quintets.
George Onslow (1784—1853):
String Quintet No. 15 in C minor, Op. 38 'The Bullet' (1829)
Saturday 26.7.2025
56. 18.00 Kuhmo Church — €27/21
BETWEEN SEASONS – MELLANÅRSTIDER – VÄLIVUODENAJAT
Nancy Dalberg (1881—1949):
Scherzo, Op. 6 for string orchestra (1914)
Jaakko Kuusisto (1974—2022):
Välivuodenajat (Between Seasons), Op. 7 for string orchestra and harpsichord (1995–96)
Kurt Atterberg (1887—1974):
Suite No. 3, Op. 19 No. 1 for violin, viola and string orchestra (1917)
Saturday 26.7.2025
57. 20.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €27/21 **
TABULA RASA – A CHANCE FOR A CHANGE – EN CHANS TILL NYTT – MAHDOLLISUUS UUTEEN
The festival’s final concert will help cleanse the soul, leaving it ready to receive new artistic
impulses and to process the thoughts that have arisen over the course of the last two weeks.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27/2 'Moonlight' (1801)
Everything is uncertain, and that’s exactly what makes me feel so peaceful.
Too-Ticky in Tove Jansson’s work Moominland Midwinter
Arvo Pärt (1935—):
Tabula rasa for violin, viola, prepared piano and string orchestra (1977)