Finnish choir to celebrate in Shanghai tonight
The world’s oldest Finnish-language choir, the YL Male Voice Choir, will perform in Shanghai tonight to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Finnish independence.
The group will then hold two more shows, one in Beijing and one in Jiangsu Province, which also coincide with the 60th anniversary of the death of renowned Finnish composer and violinist Jean Sibelius (1865-1957).
As to be expected, the choir’s repertoire for this China tour includes many Finnish folk songs, as well as tone poems by both established and contemporary Finnish composers. Many of the songs draw from the unique history and culture of the Nordic country.
They will perform “Finlandia Hymn,” a section of the tone poem “Finlandia” composed in 1899 by Sibelius, who is often recognized as having helped his country and people develop a national identity through music.
The piece was later revised by Sibelius into a stand-alone work, becoming one of the most widely known national songs of the country.
In addition to regular domestic events, the choir often tours to Asian, European and American countries and are notable for unique and cutting-edge performances.
Performance details
Shanghai
Date: November 3, 7:30pm
Venue: Shanghai Daning Theater, 1222 Pingxingguan Rd
Tickets: 80-580 yuan
Jiangsu Province
Date: November 10, 7:30pm
Venue: Jiangsu Art Center
Beijing
Date: November 11, 7:30pm
Venue: Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center
Tickets available at piao.damai.cn
