Opening Concert

Performers

Saimaa Sinfonietta
Orkester Norden
Helsinki Philharmonic Choir
Aliisa Neige Barriere, conductor

Marika Hölttä, soprano
Anu Ontronen, contralto
Markus Nykänen, tenor
Timo Riihonen, bass

Program

Luukas Hiltunen (s. 1996): Scintillation for choir and orchestra (premiere)
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827): Symphony No. 9 d minor op. 125 Ode to Joy

At 19:00 Emeritus professor Eero Tarasti introduces the Opening concert's pieces in Mikaeli Chamber Music Hall. Conductor Aliisa Neige Barrière and composer Luukas Hiltunen will be appearing as guests at the event.

Introduction

The Opening Evening concert will present Beethoven’s Ode to Joy performed by local artists, as the Saimaa Sinfonietta Orchestra takes to the stage. Saimaa Sinfonietta shall be accompanied by talented young musicians from the international youth orchestra, Orkester Norden. 

This glorius symphony orchestra will be conducted by Aliisa Neige Barrière, Mikkeli Music Festival's Young Artist of the Year and one of the most promising young conductors in Finland. The Helsinki Philharmonic Choir, known for their expressive power and metallic timbre, will join the stage for an unforgettable evening. As soloists will perform a group of established Finnish Opera Singers: Marika Hölttä, Anu Ontronen, Markus Nykänen and Timo Riihonen.

Solisteina loistavat mm. Kansallisoopperan rooleista tutut Marika Hölttä ja Anu Ontronen sekä Euroopan oopperalavoilla uraa tehneet Markus Nykänen ja Timo Riihonen.

In keeping with the festival's theme, the concert will feature Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No 9, premiered in Vienna in May 1824, as well as Luukas Hiltunen's Scintillation for orchestra and mixed choir, which will be premiered at the occasion of the Opening Evening. 

Luukas Hiltunen, who lives in Pirkanmaa, is the Mikkeli Music Festival's Young Composer of the Year 2024. Hiltunen has a publishing contract with Universal Edition in Vienna and his works have been performed at several festivals in Finland.

The concert's duration abbrox. 80 minutes. 

Tickets

Tickets 59 € / children/students 49 € (incl. costs)

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