BORDERLINES

Borders can be drawn, they can be crossed.
They can be respected, feared or broken.
We can linger on their surface, their arrival can cause us distress.
One person’s border represents another’s freedom, and freedom itself is borderless.
Or is it?

The theme of this year’s festival has got us thinking in all kinds of directions, from the idea of protecting our own personal space and mental health to thoughts about the interaction and constant discourse between musical styles and national identities. The march of music history is interactional too, be it regarding inspiration or providing concrete steps to dismantle the economic or conformist obstacles standing in the way of progress and development. The theme of Borderlines allows us to ponder these topics at length, casting up as it does almost inexhaustible connections and associations. Nonetheless, we believe that the selection of programmes we offer you this year represents some of the more topical, thought-provoking and hopefully interesting approaches to this theme.

Be beguiled by something new, rediscover your love for an old favourite, peel back the layers of history, hear the classics with fresh ears!

Come to the Kainuu border, cross over, and experience it for yourself. See you in Kuhmo!

Minna Pensola and Antti Tikkanen
Artistic Directors

Programme notes by Minna Pensola and Antti Tikkanen unless otherwise stated. The festival reserves the right to modify the program and line-up.

Sunday 14.7.2024

1. 15.00 Lentiira Church — €25/21

Lentiiran kirkkotie 51 (Driving time from the centre approx. 45 min)

BEGINNING BY THE BORDER

A bright and stimulating start to the 2024 festival in the beautiful surroundings of Lentiira Church. This concert marks the Kuhmo debut by the Spanish Quiroga String Quartet.

Georg Friedrich Handel (1685—1759):

Overture from Ode Alexander's Feast, HWV 75 (1736, arr. for organ)

Georg Friedrich Handel (1685—1759):

Organ Concerto in B flat, Op. 4 No. 6 (1738)

Joseph Haydn (1732—1809):

String Quartet No. 57 in C, Op. 74 No. 1 (1793)

Alberto Ginastera (1916—1983):

String Quartet No. 1, Op. 20 (1948)

Sunday 14.7.2024

2. 19.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €30/25

BACH MATERIA

After an all-too long hiatus, we are thrilled to welcome the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra back to Kuhmo. Swedish composer Anders Hillborg has cooked up quite a stew from Bach’s beloved Brandenburg Concert No. 3. The soloist is free to season the stew with improvisational spices of their own. It’s hard to avoid the influence of blues and the ensuing manic jam session. After the interval, the festival’s artistic directors will join the orchestra and guide the audience through the captivating world of Dvořák’s Slavic melodies.

Isabella Leonarda (1620—1704):

Sonata No 12, Op. 16 for violin and basso continuo (1683)

J. S. Bach (1685—1750):

First movement from Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G, BWV 1048 (1718)

Anders Hillborg (1954—):

Second movement for J. S. Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 'Very Tender' (2017)

J. S. Bach (1685—1750):

Third movement from Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G, BWV 1048 (1718)

Anders Hillborg (1954—):

Bach Materia for violin and string orchestra (2017)

Intermission

Antonín Dvořák (1841—1904):

Serenade in E, Op. 22 for string orchestra (1875)

Monday 15.7.2024

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 15.7.2024

3. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €25/21

PLUCK OUT

Spanish music for guitar, Bach on the harpsichord, and a concerto for kantele and violin. The starting point for Heiniö’s concerto came many years ago when he told a friend, “one day I will compose the altarpiece at Turku Cathedral”. The altarpiece in question depicts the Transfiguration of Christ at Mount Tabor, which is also described in Hymn 263, “Christ Transfigured upon the Mount”, the melody of which runs through the work in various different configurations. Careful listeners will surely be able to identify it – especially when they are invited to sing along too!

Hymn 263 – Vuorella Kristus kirkastui (Christ transfigured upon the mount Tabor) (audience and artists)

Luys de Narváez (1500—1549):

Fantasia (Quarto tono) from Los seys libros del Delphin de música de cifra para tañer vihuela (1538)

Luys de Narváez (1500—1549):

Fantasia (Primer tono) from Los seys libros del Delphin de música de cifra para tañer vihuela (1538)

Luys de Narváez (1500—1549):

Fantasia (Octavo tono) from Los seys libros del Delphin de música de cifra para tañer vihuela (1538)

Alonso Mudarra (1510—1580):

Fantasía fácil from Tres libros de música en cifra para vihuela (1546)

Alonso Mudarra (1510—1580):

Pleni de la Misa de 'Faysan regrés' de Josquin from Tres libros de música en cifra para vihuela (1546)

Alonso Mudarra (1510—1580):

Fantasia X contrahaze la harpa en la manera de Ludovico from Tres libros de música en cifra para vihuela (1546)

J. S. Bach (1685—1750):

Allemande, Courante, Sarabande and Gigue from French Suite No. 5 in G, BWV 816 (ca. 1772)

Mikko Heiniö (1948—):

Concerto for kantele, violin and string orchestra (2020–21)

Monday 15.7.2024

4. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €25/21

THE FACES OF NATURE

Johann Schmelzer (1623—1680):

Sonata in A minor for violin and harpsichord 'Cu Cu'

Kaija Saariaho (1952—2023):

Saarikoski Song Cycle (2013–20, lyrics: Pentti Saarikoski)

The tailor Kakadu became immortalised when Beethoven wrote his series of variations on the theme of an old song by Wenzel Müller. Beethoven began sketching the work in 1797, then returned to it in 1816, but only managed to complete it after the Ninth Symphony in 1824. In this sense, the work is a fine example of Beethoven’s creative journey at different stages of his life.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):

Variations on theme 'Ich bin der Schneider Kakadu' in G, Op. 121a for piano trio (? 1803, rev. 1816)

Monday 15.7.2024

5. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €30/25

FROM THE MOUNTAINS AND PLAINS

W. A. Mozart (1756—1791):

Sonata No. 35 in A, K. 526 for violin and piano (1787)

Lotta Wennäkoski says of her work: “Music is often described as akin to a handicraft, and indeed handicraft skills are an essential part of a composer’s professional toolkit. From time to time, I have also been interested in the concrete images that arise from handicrafts, the feel of the fabric, the sewing. In this trio, the stitching is happy and carefree, though the final result isn’t always neat and tidy – imperfections are a part of every hand-made fabric.”

Lotta Wennäkoski (1970—):

Päärme (Hem) for piano trio (2014–15)

The Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra is equally at home with folk fiddle styles as with Viennese classicism. These are the orchestra’s native languages.

W. A. Mozart (1756—1791):

Divertimento in D, K. 136 for string orchestra 'Salzburg Symphony No. 1' (1772)

Intermission

Philip Glass (1937—):

Echorus for two violins and string orchestra (1994–95)

Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928—2016):

The Fiddlers, Op. 1 suite for string orchestra (1972)

Sebastian Fagerlund (1972—):

Strings to the Bone for string orchestra (2015)

THIS CONCERT’S FRIEND IS KAINUUN SANOMAT.

Monday 15.7.2024

6. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €25/21

WTC – WORLD TO COME

The theme of this year’s festival is Borderlines. Right now, many countries are defending their own borders and cultures in conflicts across the world. Music has always been a way of working through the complex emotions that these uncertain times create.

Kaija Saariaho (1952—2023):

Preludi - Tunnustus - Postludi for soprano and prepared piano (1980, text: Mika Waltari)

Sergey Prokofiev (1891—1953):

Piano Sonata No. 6 in A, Op. 82 'War Sonata' (1940)

Steve Reich (1936—):

WTC 9/11 for string quartet and pre-recorded voices (2010)

Tuesday 16.7.2024

10.00 Salakamari

The Heart of the Day – soprano Anu Komsi (in English)

Tuesday 16.7.2024

7. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €25/21 *

HEAR THE JOY

From the Holy Trinity to joy and light. Pärt’s musical palette showcases the organ at Kuhmo Church in all its lugubrious glory, while the vivacity of works by Wennäkoski and Mozart help shine a light into the darkness.

J. S. Bach (1685—1750):

Choral 'Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten', BWV 691 (1720)

Arvo Pärt (1935—):

Trivium for organ (1976)

Lotta Wennäkoski (1970—):

Soiva ilo (Sounding Joy) for soprano and piano (2013, lyrics: Marjo Heiskanen)

W. A. Mozart (1756—1791):

String Quintet No. 3 in C, K. 515 (1787)

Tuesday 16.7.2024

8. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €25/21

AFTERNOON WITH TRIOS

The Storioni Trio has enjoyed a long collaboration with composer Sebastian Fagerlund, and the work Remain is the result of a joint commission by the Storioni Festival and Kuhmo Chamber Music.

Sebastian Fagerlund (1972—):

Remain for piano trio (2022)

A look at previous programmes reveals that every single performance of Arenky’s Piano Trio has been one of the highlights of that year’s festival. This year’s performance is the first after a long break.

Anton Arensky (1861—1906):

Piano Trio No. 1 D minor, Op. 32 (1894)

Tuesday 16.7.2024

9. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €30/25

KAFKA & BRAHMS

Get ready for an absurd, exhilarating evening with a rare performance of Kurtág’s dizzying Kafka Fragments! After the interval, Brahms’s fiery Piano Quartet will help raise the temperature in the Lentua Hall. A concert full of emotional charge in true Hungarian style.

György Kurtág (1926—):

Kafka Fragments, Op. 24 for soprano and violin (1985–87, text: Franz Kafka)

Intermission

Johannes Brahms (1833—1897):

Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25 (1861)

Tuesday 16.7.2024

10. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €25/21

DISCO AND FOLK DANCES

Lotta Wennäkoski (1970—):

Sival for kantele and violin (2007)

Antonín Dvořák (1841—1904):

Piano Trio in E minor, Op. 90 'Dumky' (1890–91)

Juhani Nuorvala (1961—):

Concertino for electric kantele and tape (2000/2014)

Wednesday 17.7.2024

10.00 Salakamari

The Heart of the Day – Sebastian Fagerlund & Ismo Eskelinen (in Finnish)

Wednesday 17.7.2024

11. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €25/21

PRAYER

Taneli Kuusisto (1905—1988):

Suomalainen rukous (Finnish Prayer), Op. 27 No. 2 'Siunaa ja varjele meitä' (1939, lyrics: Uuno Kailas)

David Popper (1843—1913):

Requiem in F sharp minor, Op. 66 for three cellos and piano (1892)

Maurice Ravel (1875—1937):

Kaddisch from Deux mélodies hébraïques (1914, lyrics: anonymous)

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):

Molto adagio 'Heiliger Dankgesang' from String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op. 132 (1823–25)

Joaquín Turina (1882—1949):

La oración del torero, Op. 34 for string quartet (1925)

Wednesday 17.7.2024

12.30 Tuupala Primary School

Student concert

  • Students of the Music Courses

Wednesday 17.7.2024

12. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €25/21

1920'S: VIEW TO THE FUTURE AND PAST

Maurice Ravel (1875—1937):

Sonata in A minor for violin and cello (1920–22)

George Antheil (1900—1959):

Piano Sonata No. 2 'The Airplane' (1921)

As a composer, Max Bruch found himself in a distinctly different position from that of Brahms, a composer only five years his senior but to whom he was constantly compared. In his own words, he never had the financial luxury to risk the instant success of a new work. Any new works had to please both commissioners and audiences alike at the very first performance. Bruch remained true to his style, even as the world and prevailing aesthetics began to change around him.

Max Bruch (1838—1920):

String Octet in B flat, Op. Posth. (1920)

Wednesday 17.7.2024

13. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €30/25

GIRLS

Claude Debussy (1862—1918):

La fille aux cheveux de lin, Prelude No. 8 from Préludes, bk I for piano (1909–10)

Jean Sibelius (1865—1957):

Flickan kom ifrån sin älsklings möte (The Girl returned from Meeting her Lover), Op. 37 No. 5 (1900–01, lyrics: J. L. Runeberg)

Sebastian Fagerlund (1972—):

Guitar Quintet (2024, commissioned by Kuhmo Chamber Music, premier)

THE JENNY AND ANTTI WIHURI FOUNDATION HAS SUPPORTED THE COMMISSION.

Intermission

Lotta Wennäkoski (1970—):

Vorüber, ach, vorüber! from Pige (Girl) for string quartet (2021–22)

Franz Schubert (1797—1828):

String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, D. 810 'Der Tod und das Mädchen' (1824)

Wednesday 17.7.2024

14. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €25/21 **

EVENING STROLL

Bohuslav Martinů (1890—1959):

Promenades, H. 274 for flute, violin and harpsichord (1939)

Claude Debussy (1862—1918):

Sonata for cello and piano (1915)

W. A. Mozart (1756—1791):

Piano Quartet No. 2 in E flat, K. 493 (1786)

Thursday 18.7.2024

Thursday 18.7.2024

10.00 Salakamari

The Heart of the Day – Osmo Tapio Räihälä introduces the Festival's program (in English).

Thursday 18.7.2024

15. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €25/21

WONDER(FUL) CHILDREN

Everybody knows the myth and branding around Mozart the child prodigy, but far fewer people know that Lili Boulanger, Nadia Boulanger’s younger sister, was the object of similar attention and expectations before her untimely death at the age of 24. Clara Schumann performed at the Leipzig Gewandhaus at the age of nine, by which time she was already composing reams of her own music. Luckily, this meant that she was later able to support her family as her husband Robert became increasingly caught up in his own compositional frenzy. George Szell was once dubbed “the new Mozart”; he composed and toured as a soloist with numerous orchestras until his compositional creativity dried up and he turned his attention to a career as a conductor.

W. A. Mozart (1756—1791):

Sonata in B flat, K. 10 for flute and piano (1764)

Lili Boulanger (1893—1918):

D'un matin de printemps (One Spring Morning) for piano trio (1917–18)

Clara Schumann (1819—1896):

Scherzo No. 2 in C minor, Op. 14 for piano (1845)

Thursday 18.7.2024

12.30 Tuupala Primary School

Student Concert

  • Students of the Music Courses

Thursday 18.7.2024

16. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €25/21

AFTERNOON WITH QUARTETS

Anton Webern (1883—1945):

Rondo in F for string quartet (c. 1906)

Franz Schubert (1797—1828):

String Quartet No. 15 in G, D. 887 (1826)

Thursday 18.7.2024

17. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €30/25

CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA

This sonata, full of light and joie de vivre, came to Brahms one happy summer at his favourite retreat by the shores of Lake Thun.

Johannes Brahms (1833—1897):

Sonata No. 2 in A, Op. 100 for violin and piano (1886)

The composer Matthias Roth depicts what Beethoven must have felt as he gradually lost his hearing, still able to recall the sound world around him.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):

Allegretto in B flat, WoO 39 for piano trio (1812)

Matthias Roth (1979—):

Piano Trio 'erinnert' (2023, Finland's premier)

Intermission

Paul Juon was born in Moscow into a family of Swiss immigrants. He received instruction in composition from Anton Arensky, then taught in Berlin for thirty years before “returning” to Switzerland. His compositions exude the colour, warmth and stylistic panache of all these cultures.

Paul Juon (1872—1940):

Piano Sextet in C minor, Op. 22 (1902)

Thursday 18.7.2024

18. 19.00 Kajaani Church — €25/21 **

Kirkkokatu 19, Kajaani (Driving time from Kuhmo approx. 1½ hours)

THE SPIRIT OF KUHMO IN KAJAANI

Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895—1968):

Guitar Quintet in F, Op. 143 (1950)

Clara Schumann (1819—1896):

Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17 (1846)

Dinner will be available before and after the concert at Restaurant Sulo in Original Sokos Hotel Valjus (Kauppakatu 20). Table reservations: raflaamo.fi or sales.kajaanivuokatti@sokoshotels.fi. 

 

THIS CONCERT IS CO-OPERATION WITH THE KAJAANI PARISH AND OSUUSKAUPPA MAAKUNTA.

Thursday 18.7.2024

19. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €25/21

IN BORROWED PLUMES

Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683—1764):

Allemande from Nouvelles suites de pièces de clavecin (ca. 1728)

Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683—1764):

Sarabande from Nouvelles suites de pièces de clavecin (ca. 1728)

Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683—1764):

Gavotte et six doubles from Nouvelles suites de pièces de clavecin (ca. 1728)

Claude Debussy (1862—1918):

Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum from Children's Corner (1906–08)

Claude Debussy (1862—1918):

Rêverie (1890)

Claude Debussy (1862—1918):

Passepied in F sharp minor from Suite Bergamasque for piano (1905)

François Couperin (1668—1733):

Les Folies françoises, ou les Dominos from Pièces de clavecin, troisième livre (1722)

François Couperin (1668—1733):

Les Roseaux from Pièces de clavecin, troisième livre (1722)

François Couperin (1668—1733):

L'Amphibie from Pièces de clavecin, quatrième livre (1730)

Friday 19.7.2024

TODAY’S PARTNERS ARE OP KUHMO, OP KAINUU, OP YLÄ-KAINUU AND OP PALTAMO.

Friday 19.7.2024

10.00 Salakamari

The Heart of the Day – Janne Valkeajoki, accordion (in Finnish)

Friday 19.7.2024

20. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €25/21 *

BREAKFAST WITH BACH

Harri Suilamo (1954—):

Movements 2 and 4 from Una goccia d'oblio (Rosary Sonatas) for concert kantele (2001)

J. S. Bach (1685—1750):

Loure from Partita No. 3 in E, BWV 1006 (1720)

J. S. Bach (1685—1750):

Sonata No. 2 in D, BWV 1028 for viola da gamba and harpsichord (1740)

Lotta Wennäkoski (1970—):

Tocca for harp and violin (2019)

J. S. Bach (1685—1750):

Sonata No. 3 in G minor, BWV 1029 for viola da gamba and harpsichord (1740)

Friday 19.7.2024

21. 12.45 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €28/24

THESE ARE THE NAMES

A group of people crosses the tundra and arrives at a border town. When chief of police Pontus Beg orders that the group, who are afraid, terrified and have appeared out of nowhere, is arrested, their belongings reveal evidence of a murder. As Beg examines the exhausted travellers’ backgrounds, he begins looking into his own roots too. As he delves deeper into the group’s gruelling journey, the thoughtful, empathetic police chief switches roles from an interrogator to something akin to a saviour. Brimming with humour and wisdom, this story addresses some particularly topical subjects: humanity, hope, empathy, faith and fear. Combining elements of theatre and chamber music, this performance is based on the internationally acclaimed novel Dit zijn de Namen (‘These are the Names’) by the Dutch author Tommy Wieringa. The refugees’ flight into the unknown comes to life as the audience experiences the performance in pitch dark. Extracts from the English translation of Wieringa’s novel are interwoven with music by Tchaikovsky, Pärt, Shostakovich and Bloch. 

Tommy Wieringa (1967—):

These are the Names

The performance will take place in complete darkness, and audience members will be guided to their places with their eyes covered. Therefore, this performance is not suitable for people with claustrophobia or a fear of the dark. A unique experience for one hundred brave souls. The performance will be in English.

Friday 19.7.2024

12.45 Tuupala Primary School

Student concert

  • Students of the Music Courses

Friday 19.7.2024

22. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €25/21

THE BRAHMS EFFECT I

Brahms was a role model and supporting mentor for many young composers. The catalyst for Zemlinsky’s career was when Brahms recommended one of his works to his own publisher. Meanwhile, Walter Rabl received the same recommendation upon winning a competition for young composers in Vienna in 1896 – where Brahms was on the jury. These young newcomers clearly felt it was in their best interests to remain stylistically close to the man who championed their works.

Alezander von Zemlinsky (1871—1942):

Trio in D minor, Op. 3 for clarinet, cello and piano (1896)

Walter Rabl (1873—1940):

Clarinet Quartet in E flat, Op. 1 (1896)

Friday 19.7.2024

23. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €30/25

THE APENNINES

Igor Stravinsky (1882—1971):

Suite Italienne (1932)

Toto Cutugno (1943—2023):

L'italiano (1983, lyrics: Cristiano Minellono/Raul Reiman)

Giovanni Bottesini (1821—1889):

Elegy No. 1 in D (1870)

Francesco Antonioni (1971—):

Surfarara, based on a Sicilian folk song sung by a sulfur miner (2024, Finnish premier)

Intermission

Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1840—1893):

Souvenir de Florence in D minor, Op. 70 (1890)

THIS CONCERT’S PARTNERS ARE OP KUHMO, OP KAINUU, OP YLÄ-KAINUU AND OP PALTAMO.

Friday 19.7.2024

24. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €25/21

THE UNEXPECTED BEETHOVEN

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):

String Quartet No. 11 in F minor, Op. 95 'Serioso' (1810–11)

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):

Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111 (1821–22)

Saturday 20.7.2024

10.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre/Cafeteria Juttua

The Heart of the Day – Osmo Tapio Räihälä talks about the Festival's program (in Finnish).

Saturday 20.7.2024

25. 11.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €25/21

BON APPÉTIT!

Leonard Bernstein (1918—1990):

La Bonne Cuisine (Four Recipes) suite for voice and piano (1947, based on Émile Dumont's cookbook La Bonne Cuisine Française)

Contemporary colleagues criticised Erik Satie’s piano works for their lack of any discernible form. Infuriated by these comments, Satie wrote three piano pieces clearly laid out in the form of a pear.

Erik Satie (1866—1925):

Trois morceaux en forme de poire for piano four hands (1903)

Bohuslav Martinů (1890—1959):

La revue de cuisine (The Kitchen Review), H. 161 for reciter, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, violin, cello and piano (1927, text: Ron Butlin)

Saturday 20.7.2024

26. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €25/21

SWEET SONATAS

Claude Debussy (1862—1918):

Sonata No. 2 for flute, viola and harp (1915)

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):

Sonata No. 4 in C, Op. 102 No. 1 for cello and piano (1815)

Sergey Prokofiev (1891—1953):

Sonata in D, Op. 94 for flute and piano (1943)

Saturday 20.7.2024

27. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €30/25

TANGOMANIA

Viera Janárčeková (1941—2023):

Illusion from Tangomania for violin and accordion (2013–14)

Tom Lehrer (1928—):

Masochism Tango (1959, lyrics: Tom Lehrer)

Astor Piazzolla (1921—1992):

Le Grand Tango

Richard Dubugnon (1968—):

Rundtanz, Op. 93 for piano sextet

Intermission

Toivo Kärki (1915—1992):

Siks oon mä suruinen (1944, lyrics: Kerttu Mustonen)

Ilkka Kuusisto (1933—):

Tango in my Mind for flute and cello (1994)

Saturday 20.7.2024

28. 21.00 Kuhmo Church — €25/21

SUNSET

A concert in the evening dusk – the moonlight is beautiful, the transfigured night touching.

Rouzbeh Raffie (1981—):

Karân for cello and live electronics (2021)

Claude Debussy (1862—1918):

Clair de lune from Suite Bergamasque for piano (1890)

Jean Sibelius (1865—1957):

Illalle (To Evening), Op. 17 No. 6 from Seven songs (1898, lyrics: A. V. Koskimies)

Richard Dehmel (1863—1920):

Poem Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night) from Weib und Welt (Woman and World, 1896)

Arnold Schönberg (1874—1951):

Die Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night), Op. 4 for string sextet (1899)

Sunday 21.7.2024

10.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre/Cafeteria Juttua

The Heart of the Day – Thom Hoffman & Wouter Vossen (in English)

Sunday 21.7.2024

29. 11.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €25/21

SUNRISE

The Castalian Quartet gets the morning off to a good start with an energising sunrise. The Spanish Quiroga Quartet perform a piano quintet by their compatriot, filling the Arts Centre with Mediterranean light and spontaneity.

Eero Hämeenniemi (1951—):

Waiting for the Sunrise for two violins (2009)

Joseph Haydn (1732—1809):

String Quartet No. 63 in B flat, Op. 76 No. 4 'Sunrise' (1797)

Enrique Granados (1867—1916):

Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 49 (1898)

Sunday 21.7.2024

30. 13.00 Tuupala Primary School — €12 **

TERO AND ERNO SHOW

Rock classics and Classical hits​ (in Finnish)

The concert is recommended for ages 6 to 120. Duration of the concert 35 min.

Have you ever wondered what you can play on the recorder? The recorder quartet Bravade’s new and hilarious performance is a tv-show hosted by the dyed-in-the-wool heavy rock brothers Tero and Erno are joined by classical-music specialists, the recorder virtuosi Duo KlaSarit. Genre boundaries come crashing down as classical hits and rock classics collide together! This selection of hits features everything from Tchaikovsky's Dance of the Swans to Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven and Paranoid, not forgetting Smetana's Vltava, Mozart's greatest hits and Toto's Africa. Listeners will also get to hear the virtuosic guitar solo from AC/DC's Thunderstruck - on the recorder, of course!

 

This semi-staged concert has been scripted by Elina Lajunen with musical arrangements

by Hanna Paatelma.

WEEKLY SEASON TICKET I ENDS/WEEKLY SEASON TICKET II BEGINS.

(Concerts 1, 18, 21 and 30 are not included in the weekly season tickets.)

Sunday 21.7.2024

31. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €25/21

ODE TO ÉTUDE

Étude: usually a short composition with the aim of practising a particular technical or compositional skill.

Nicolò Paganini (1782—1840):

Caprice in E, Op. 1 No. 1 for solo violin (1802)

Nico Muhly (1981—):

Étude No. 3 from Three Études for viola and tape (2008–2013)

Simon Steen-Andersen (1976—):

Study # 1 for string instruments (2007)

Frédéric Chopin (1810—1849):

Étude in C, Op. 10 No. 1 for piano (1829–32)

Jörg Widmann (1973—):

Étude No. 1 for solo violin (1995)

Astor Piazzolla (1921—1992):

Tango Étude No. 3, Molto marcato e energico

Tom Johnson (1939—):

Failing, A Very Difficult Piece for solo string bass (1975)

Sunday 21.7.2024

32. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €28/24

WINGS

WINGS is a play for piano trio and two actors about the life of Clara and Robert Schumann, directed by Thom Hoffman (the performance will be in English).

Robert Schumann (1810—1856):

Romance in F sharp, Op. 28 No. 2 (1839, arr. for piano trio)

Robert Schumann (1810—1856):

Träumerei, Op. 15 No. 7 (1838, arr. for piano trio)

Clara Schumann (1819—1896):

Scherzo from Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17 (1846)

Robert Schumann (1810—1856):

Kanonische Etude in C, Op. 56 No. 1 (1845)

Robert Schumann (1810—1856):

Kanonische Etude in B minor, Op. 56 No. 5 (1845)

Robert Schumann (1810—1856):

Allegro from Adagio and Allegro, Op. 70 (1849)

Clara Schumann (1819—1896):

Allegro moderato from Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17 (1846)

Robert Schumann (1810—1856):

Langsam, mit inniger Empfindung from Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 63 (1847)

Robert Schumann (1810—1856):

In moda d'una marcia from Piano Quintet in E flat, Op. 44 (1842, arr. for piano trio)

Johannes Brahms (1833—1897):

Allegro con moto from Piano Trio No. 1 in B, Op. 8 (1853–54)

Robert Schumann (1810—1856):

Vogel als Prophet from Waldszenen, Op. 82 for piano (1848–49)

Clara Schumann (1819—1896):

Andante from Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17 (1846)

Robert Schumann (1810—1856):

Romance in F sharp, Op. 28/2 (1839, arr. for piano trio)

Sunday 21.7.2024

33. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €25/21

PEACE, PLEASE

The second movement of the Poulenc Sonata is dedicated to the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca, shot by fascists at the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936.

Francis Poulenc (1899—1963):

Sonata FP 119 for violin and piano (1942–43, rev. 1949)

Shostakovich’s Piano Trio No. 2 is inspired by the tragedy and the horrors of the Second World War.

Dmitry Shostakovich (1906—1975):

Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67 (1944)

Pablo Casals, cellist and recipient of the UN Peace Medal: “Birds sing when they are in the sky, they sing: ’Peace, Peace, Peace’"

Pablo Casals (1876—1973):

Song of the Birds (1972, arr. from a Spanish Folk Song El cant dels ocells)

Monday 22.7.2024

10.00 Salakamari

The Heart of the Day – dancer Auri Ahola (in Finnish)

Monday 22.7.2024

34. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €25/21

A MORNING SERVICE FOR FOUR

Few composers have been as productive as Telemann, who penned around 3,000 works of all imaginable types. This series of four concerts for four violinists offers a cross-section of Telemann’s humour, beauty and virtuosity.

Georg Philipp Telemann (1681—1767):

Concerto in G, TWV 40:201 for four violins (1720)

Georg Philipp Telemann (1681—1767):

Concerto in D, TWV 40:202 for four violins (1720)

Georg Philipp Telemann (1681—1767):

Concerto in C, TWV 40:203 for four violins (1720)

Georg Philipp Telemann (1681—1767):

Concerto in A, TWV 40:204 for four violins (1720)

Mendelssohn’s first piano quartet is brimming with the young teenager’s vivacity.

Felix Mendelssohn (1809—1847):

Piano Quartet in D minor (1821)

Monday 22.7.2024

35. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €25/21

TOUR OF THE BORDERS

Thomas Byström (1772—1839):

Sonata No. 1 in B flat, Op. 1 No. 1 for violin and piano (1801)

Trad.

Säkkijärvi Polka

Arvo Pärt (1935—):

Eesti hällilaul (Estonian Lullaby) (2002, arr. for violin and piano by composer 2019)

Igor Stravinsky (1882—1971):

Russian Maiden's Song (1923, transcribed for violin and piano by I. Stravinsky and S. Dushkin)

Trad.

Vem kan segla förutan vind? (Who can sail without wind?)

Tuomas Norvio - Áilu Vallen (—):

Ahheev (The Longing)

Jean Sibelius (1865—1957):

Finale from Piano Trio in D, JS 209 'Korpo-Trio' (1887)

Monday 22.7.2024

36. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €30/25

Now it’s time to visit the borders of musical styles – and to cross them! George Antheil (the bad boy of classical music) starts off a groove, and the other composers aren’t far behind. KOLIZIO is an ensemble in which the best Finnish brass players from the worlds of jazz and classical music join forces. Their musically multifaceted set is the result of their considerable talent and boundless musical imagination!

George Antheil (1900—1959):

Jazz Sonata, W. 43 for piano (1922)

Amanda Harberg (1973—):

On the Edge for two cellos (1997)

Maurice Ravel (1875—1937):

Sonata No. 2 in G for violin and piano (1923–27)

Wynton Marsalis (1961—):

Meeelaan for bassoon and string quartet (1999)

Intermission

Petri Keskitalo (1972—2023):

Funkolizio

Aaron Copland (1900—1990):

Fanfare for the Common Man (1942)

Esa Onttonen (1975—):

Getting Paid (2022)

Petri Keskitalo (1972—2023):

Kolizefyros

Oskar Merikanto (1868—1924):

Hymn Oi, muistatko vielä sen virren, Op. 52 No. 3 (1905)

Antti Rissanen (1975—):

Spanish Delight

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827):

Drei Equali, WoO 30 (1812)

Jean Sibelius (1865—1957):

Alla Marcia from the Karelia Suite, Op. 11 (1893)

THIS CONCERT’S FRIEND IS THE CITY OF KUHMO.

Monday 22.7.2024

37. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €25/21

DANCING THROUGH TRANSYLVANIA

Béla Bartók (1881—1945):

Roumanian Folk Dances, BB 68 (1915, arr. for violin and accordion)

Béla Bartók (1881—1945):

String Quartet No. 5, BB 110 (1934)

Lasse Pihlajamaa (1916—2007):

Romanian Rhapsody (1949)

Tuesday 23.7.2024

10.00 Salakamari

The Heart of the Day – Osmo Tapio Räihälä presents the Festival's program (in English).

Tuesday 23.7.2024

38. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €25/21

CARTE BLANCHE FOR THE DANELS

Anton Bruckner (1824—1896):

String Quartet in C minor (1862)

(Performing Dvořák’s quintet with Zoran Marković has been one of the quartet’s long-held wishes.)

Antonín Dvořák (1841—1904):

String Quintet in G, Op. 77 (1875)

Tuesday 23.7.2024

39. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €25/21

PLAYING AROUND

As with the trio for horn, trumpet and trombone in concert 46, Poulenc said that he composed the sonata for two clarinets quite intuitively. Both works were written at a time when he was concerned he hadn’t received enough musical instruction, and at Milhaud’s suggestion he sought to become a student of Charles Koechlin.

Francis Poulenc (1899—1963):

Sonata, FP 7 for two clarinets (1918)

Bachprovisation:

J. S. Bach (1685—1750):

Prélude from Suite No. 3 in C, BWV 1009 (1717–23)

J. S. Bach (1685—1750):

Largo from Sonata No. 3 in C, BWV 1005 (1720)

J. S. Bach (1685—1750):

Prélude from Suite No. 1 in G, BWV 1007 (1717–23)

Sebastian Fagerlund (1972—):

Scherzic for viola and cello (2008)

The unusual instrumentation of Stravinsky’s Octet was inspired by a dream he had one night in Biarritz in late 1922.

Igor Stravinsky (1882—1971):

Octet for wind instruments (1923)

Tuesday 23.7.2024

40. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €30/25

NEVER AGAIN

Collated by Pia Freund, this programme presents a selection of songs composed at the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Composed under similar circumstances, Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time is an obvious companion piece. Ultimately, every conflict is about individual people and their fates. This moving programme reminds us of what we must never forget. 

John Cage (1912—1992):

In the Name of the Holocaust for prepared piano (1942)

Ilse Weber (1903—1944):

Ich wandre durch Theresienstadt (I wander through Theresienstadt) (1942–44, lyrics: Ilse Weber)

Martin Roman (1910—1996):

Das Karussell (1944, lyrics: Manfred Greiffenhagen)

Viktor Ullmann (1898—1944):

Claire Vénus, Op. 34 No. 1 (1941, lyrics: Louise Labé)

Adolf Strauss (1902—1944):

Ich weiss bestimmt, ich werd dich wiedersehen (I know for sure I'll see you again) (lyrics: Ludwig Hift)

Carlo Taube (1897—1944):

Ein jüdisches Kind (A Jewish Child) (lyrics: Carlo and Erika Taube)

Ilse Weber (1903—1944):

Wiegala (Beddy-bye) (lyrics: Ilse Weber)

Viktor Ullmann (1898—1944):

Berjoskele (The Little Birch), Op. 53 No. 1 from Brezulinka (Birches). Drei jiddische Lieder (1943, lyrics: David Einhorn)

Intermission

Olivier Messiaen (1908—1992):

Quatuor pour la fin du temps (Quartet for the End of Time) for violin, clarinet, cello and piano (1940–41)

THIS CONCERT IS SUPPORTED BY HELENA RANTA.

Tuesday 23.7.2024

41. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €25/21

THE MASK OF DEATH

Caplet was inspired by The Masque of the Red Death, a short story by Edgar Allan Poe. The story tells the tale of a plague that left no survivors, not even the friends of Prince Prospero in his well-isolated castle ball…

André Caplet (1878—1925):

Conte fantastique for harp and string quartet (1919)

“The dwarf beholds the woman, gripped by death,

He pushes her deep into the sea with his own hands,

His heart is burning for her with such total longing.”

Translation Malcolm Wren

Franz Schubert (1797—1828):

Der Zwerg (The Dwarf) in A minor, D. 771 for vocal and piano (1823, lyrics: Matthäus von Collin)

Schnittke composed his Piano Quintet soon after his mother had been found dead, having suffered a heart attack. The work is a musical embodiment of the doctor’s answer to Schnittke’s question: “What would my mother have felt?”

Alfred Schnittke (1934—1998):

Piano Quintet (1972–76)

Wednesday 24.7.2024

10.00 Salakamari

The Heart of the Day – Lotta Wennäkoski talks about her commissioned piece and her work as a composer, interviewed by Minna Pensola and Antti Tikkanen (in Finnish).

Wednesday 24.7.2024

42. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €25/21

MEANDERING THROUGH GENERATIONS

Bach’s Concerto in D minor has enthralled listeners for centuries. Alongside audiences, composers too have taken inspiration from this work over the years, not least the British composer Anna Clyne, who has recently garnered much international attention.

J. S. Bach (1685—1750):

Toccata and fugue in D minor, BWV 565 (?before 1708, arr. for violin by Sergey Malov)

Johann Christian Bach (1735—1782):

Piano Sonata in A, Op. 17 No. 5 (1780 ca.)

J. S. Bach (1685—1750):

Concerto in D minor, BWV 1043 for two violins, strings and basso continuo (1730–31)

Wednesday 24.7.2024

12.30 Tuupala Primary School

Student Concert

  • Students of the Music Courses

Wednesday 24.7.2024

43. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €25/21

THE FREAK SHOW

Alongside the mainstream, there exists some very special music that requires a little bit more from the performer’s toolbox. Here are some fine examples!

Lotta Wennäkoski (1970—):

Sic for two violins (2024, commissioned by Kuhmo Chamber Music, premier)

THE JENNY AND ANTTI WIHURI FOUNDATION HAS SUPPORTED THE COMMISSION.

Luciano Berio (1925—2003):

Sequenza V for trombone (1966)

Mark Applebaum (1967—):

Aphasia (2010)

The seven movements of Perkin’s work are each dedicated to the stars of the questionable ‘freakshows’ of the past, including The Two-Headed Nightingale and The Armless Fiddler.

Sam Perkin (1985—):

The Freakshow for piano trio (2016)

Wednesday 24.7.2024

44. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €30/25

SYMPHONISTS IN THE CHAMBER

Three of the great symphonic composers – Wagner, Mahler and Bruckner – whose chamber works have been inexplicably overlooked.

Richard Wagner (1813—1883):

Wesendonck Lieder, WWV 91 (1857–58)

Gustav Mahler (1860—1911):

Piano Quartet in A minor (1876)

Intermission

Bruckner’s String Quintet was commissioned by Josef Hellmesberger, then concert master of the Vienna Conservatoire and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Almost instantly, the quintet became one of Bruckner’s most widely performed works. The critic Wilhelm Altmann wrote that “even if Bruckner’s only work for strings had been the slow movement of this quintet, that alone would have secured his reputation for all eternity.”

Anton Bruckner (1824—1896):

String Quintet in F (1878–79)

Wednesday 24.7.2024

45. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €25/21

THE MYSTERIOUS FOREST

The Finnish relationship with the forest has always been empowering, and the spirit of the forest remains inspiring to this day. Elgar too was haunted by the woods outside Brinkwells, where a thicket of bare trees had become the stuff of local legend – a tale of depraved Spanish monks whose evil-doings led to their being transformed into the menacing-looking trees. Elgar wrote to the critic Ernest Newman (the Quintet’s dedicatee) “…it’s ghostly stuff”.

Erkki Melartin (1875—1937):

The Mysterious Forest, Op. 118 six pieces for piano (1923)

Charles Koechlin (1867—1950):

Sonata, Op. 71 for bassoon and piano (1918–19)

Edward Elgar (1857—1934):

Piano Quintet in A minor, Op. 84 (1918–19)

Thursday 25.7.2024

10.00 Salakamari

The Heart of the Day – soprano Pia Freund (in English)

Thursday 25.7.2024

46. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €25/21 **

AUTUMN COLOURS

Pierre Sandrin (1490—1561):

Doulce mémoire (1538)

Orlando di Lasso (1532—1594):

Je l'aime bien, LV 39 (1555)

Orlando di Lasso (1532—1594):

La nuict froide et sombre, LV 578 (1576)

Anonymous

Istanpitta Ghaetta (14. century)

Giuseppe Giamberti (1600—1662):

Solfeggiamento (1657)

Vincenzo Ruffo (1508—1587):

La Gamba (1564)

Giorgio Mainerio (1535—1582):

Saltarello from Il primo libro de balli (1578)

Francis Poulenc (1899—1963):

Sonata, FP 33a for French horn, trumpet and trombone (1922)

Thursday 25.7.2024

12.30 Tuupala Primary School

Student concert

  • Students of the Music Courses

Thursday 25.7.2024

47. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €25/21

FOLK SONGS AND EARWORMS

Robert Schumann (1810—1856):

Five Pieces in Folk Style, Op. 102 for cello and piano (1849)

Ester Mägi (1922—2021):

Ballade for violin and piano (1955)

Imagine being in the audience at the Moscow Conservatoire in 1876 when Tchaikovsky met Tolstoy. At the time, Pyotr was a professor at the conservatoire and hadn’t yet achieved the international fame we associate with him today. Tchaikovsky had been granted the opportunity to organise a concert of his own works, and the funds for this concert gave him the occasion to compose his first String Quartet. The new work simply had to be a success; he might never get a second chance. Years later, Tchaikovsky recalled how Tolstoy had been moved to tears after hearing the quartet’s slow movement.

Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1840—1893):

String Quartet No. 1 in D, Op. 11 (1871)

Thursday 25.7.2024

48. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €30/25

BRHAMS EFFECT II

In 1883, at the age of 19 and having completed his studies in classical style, Richard Strauss moved to Berlin to undertake some more study and discovered a new model: Johannes Brahms. At the time, Brahms was only 50 years old and at the height of his powers. Under the new influence of Brahms, Strauss began working on the Piano Quartet in C minor where the sobriety and grandeur of Brahms meet the fire and impetuous virtuosity of the young Strauss.

Richard Strauss (1864—1949):

Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 13 (1883–84)

Intermission

Johannes Brahms (1833—1897):

Piano Quartet No. 2 in A, Op. 26 (1861)

Thursday 25.7.2024

49. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €25/21

LUNACY

It was around the time he composed his ‘Geistervariationen’ that Schumann’s mind finally began to falter. He explained that he was surrounded by spirits, that he heard voices that sang to him in beautiful, otherworldly melodies and, at times, threatened to banish him to hell. After completing the work, he sought help at a mental hospital.

Pierrot Lunaire takes us to another kind of madness, a world of wine, the moon, and the sweet mix of love and death in the texts of Albert Giraud. The work features the extensive use of ‘Sprechgesang’ or ‘speech singing’, and its texts and virtuosity have secured its position as one of the cult works of the twentieth century.

Robert Schumann (1810—1856):

Theme and Variations in E flat, WoO 24 for piano 'Geistervariationen' (1854)

Arnold Schönberg (1874—1951):

Pierrot Lunaire, Op. 21 for speaker, flute, clarinet, violin, viola, cello and piano (1912, lyrics: Albert Giraud)

Friday 26.7.2024

10.00 Salakamari

The Heart of the Day – Osmo Tapio Räihälä talks about the Festival's program (in Finnish).

Friday 26.7.2024

50. 11.00 Kuhmo Church — €25/21

ALLEGROS FOR A GOOD MORNING

Giovanni Bassano (1550—1617):

Ricercata Prima from Ricercate, Passaggi et Cadentie (1585)

Anonymous

Fantasia (Breslau Manuscript) (begin 17th century?)

Nicola Matteis (1650—1713):

Passaggio rotto and Fantasia from Ayres for the violin (1676)

Nicola Matteis Jr. (—):

Fantasia in A minor 'Alia Fantasia' from Two Fantasias for violin (1720 or before)

Robert Schumann (1810—1856):

Adagio and Allegro in A flat, Op. 70 for French horn and piano (1849)

Sebastian Fagerlund (1972—):

Windways for recorder quartet (2016)

The Parisian publisher and instrument-maker Maison Erard wanted to commission a piece to promote their new model of pedal harp. The result was this miniature harp concerto featuring a very unique, colourful ensemble. Erard’s biggest competitor, Pleyel, tried the same trick by commissioning music from Debussy, but Ravel won this round.

Maurice Ravel (1875—1937):

Introduction and Allegro, Op. 46 for harp, flute, clarinet and string quartet (1905)

Friday 26.7.2024

12.30 Tuupala Primary School

Student concert

  • Students of the Music Courses

Friday 26.7.2024

51. 15.00 Tuupala Primary School — €25/21

FROM ISLANDS AND THE EDGES OF THE WORLD

Maurice Ravel (1875—1937):

Chansons Madécasses for soprano, flute, cello and piano (1925–26, lyrics: Évariste de Parny)

Ligeti greatly admired African music and held its rhythmic complexity in very high regard. His enthusiasm for this music is evident in his Études.

György Ligeti (1923—2006):

Étude No. 4 for piano 'Fanfares' (1985)

Improvisation on Arabic Themes

Fritz Kreisler (1875—1962):

Tambourin Chinois, Op. 3 for violin and piano (before 1910)

Anna Thorvaldsdottir (1977—):

Reflections for string trio (2016)

Pedro Laurenz (1902—1972):

Berretín (1941, arr. by Astor Piazzolla)

Friday 26.7.2024

52. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €28/24

THROWBACK: KUHMO FESTIVAL 40 YEARS AGO

Jean Françaix (1912—1997):

String Trio (1933)

Franz Schubert (1797—1828):

Fantasy in F minor, D. 940 for piano four hands (1828)

Friday 26.7.2024

53. 20.30 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €25/21

THE MENDELSSOHN SIBLINGS

Fanny Mendelssohn (1805—1847):

Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 11 (1846–47)

Felix Mendelssohn (1809—1847):

Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66 (1845)

THIS CONCERT’S FRIEND IS F-MUSIIKKI OY.

Saturday 27.7.2024

10.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre/Cafeteria Juttua

The Heart of the Day – Valeri Tolstov sheds light on this evening's La Folia concert (in English).

  • Valeri Tolstov

Saturday 27.7.2024

54. 11.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €25/21

BREAKTHROUGHS

Schubert had already written around eleven string quartets, mostly intended for performance only in circles of his family and friends. But his big breakthrough came with the Quartet Movement D. 703, which heralded the beginnings of a fresh style and opened the door into a new world of inspiration.

Franz Schubert (1797—1828):

String Quartet No. 12 in C minor, D. 703 'Quartett-Satz' (1820)

Francesco Darmanin (1995—):

The Sudden Lightness for piano quartet (Winner of the Vladimir Mendelssohn Composition Competition 2023, Finnish premier)

Franz Schubert (1797—1828):

String Quartet No. 13 in A minor, D. 804 'Rosamunde' (1824)

Saturday 27.7.2024

55. 16.00 Tuupala Primary School — €25/21

MYSTICS AND ROSICRUSIANS

Erik Satie was a curious, gauche figure with a penchant for grey velvet suits (he owned a total of seven such suits, all identical) and umbrellas, and legend has it that he only ever ate white food. He was also fascinated by mysticism and cults. At the time he composed Gnossiennes, he was involved in the activities of a gnostic sect.

Erik Satie (1866—1925):

Gnossiennes, six pieces (1889–97)

Alexander Scriabin (1872—1915):

Piano Sonata No. 7, Op. 64 'White Mass' (1911–12)

Hildegard von Bingen (1098—1179):

Antiphon

Anonymous

The Dark is my Delight(14. century)

Claude Debussy (1862—1918):

Sonata in G minor for violin and piano (1916–17)

Saturday 27.7.2024

56. 18.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €30/25

DARLING ANIMALS

A riotous concert full of joy and festival favourites. How fast will The Flight of the Bumblebee be today? How beautiful the swan’s song? Rounding off the concert is Schubert’s Trout Quintet, a permanent fixture that over the years has become nothing short of a national anthem at Kuhmo Chamber Music.

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835—1921):

La cygne (Swan) for cello and piano (1887)

Tarquinio Merula (1595—1665):

La Lusignuola, Op. 1 No. 2 from Il primo libro delle canzoni (1615)

Emmanuel Chabrier (1841—1894):

Villanelle des petits canards (1889, lyrics: Rosemonde Gérard)

Emmanuel Chabrier (1841—1894):

Les cigales (1889, lyrics: Rosemonde Gérard)

Emmanuel Chabrier (1841—1894):

Ballade des gros dindons (1889, lyrics: Edmond Rostand)

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844—1908):

Flight of the Bumblebee from the opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan (1900, arr. for accordion by Adrian Dante)

Joseph Haydn (1732—1809):

Finale: Allegro con spirito from String Quartet in D, Op. 50 No. 6 'Frog' (1787)

Vladimir Mendelssohn (1949—2021):

Urban Lark No. 2 for piano quartet (2019)

Intermission

Franz Schubert (1797—1828):

Piano Quintet in A, D. 667 'Trout' (1819)

THIS CONCERT’S FRIEND IS THE PATRON’S ASSOCIATION OF THE KUHMO CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL.

Saturday 27.7.2024

57. 21.00 Kuhmo Arts Centre — €25/21 *

LA FOLIA À LA YEREVAN

The festival ends with an extraordinary collaboration between a traditional Baroque ensemble and exotic instruments from across the globe, including the soulful duduk, the vibrant zurna, the distinctive kalyuka, the virtuosic tabla, and the lyrical sitar! 

This concert reimagines Vivaldi's ‘La Folia’ and other Baroque works, recontextualising them alongside newly written variations based on Armenian and other folk tunes and fully improvised sections.