One of Finland’s best-known and internationally esteemed composers, Kaija Saariaho, is to be celebrated in a memorial concert this Sunday, July 16, 2023. The Savonlinna Hall will host the concert as four of Saariaho's vocal and chamber works are performed by Anu Komsi, Silja Aalto, Sakari Oramo, Anssi Karttunen, Lambis Pavlou and Jukka Nykänen.

Kaija Saariaho passed away on June 2, 2023, leaving behind a legacy and artistic vision in which sounds and colors form dreamlike harmonies. Her courage and individuality shine through her music as she combines orchestral and electronic timbres, forever escaping expectations. Saariaho’s repertoire includes over 100 works, including five operas, the most recent of which is Innocence, which achieved huge success and is widely considered a masterpiece.

Sunday's programme features the following works:

Luonnon kasvot (2013)
Lullaby (2020)
Changing Light (2002)
Mirage (2007)

Find out more here

Looking further ahead, NorrlandsOperan will perform Saariaho’s acclaimed opera Adriana Mater in August 2024. The often harrowing opera presents a depiction of war from a woman’s perspective, whilst first and foremost focussing on a story of love and hope.

"Despite the dark subject matter, Adriana Mater’s music radiates a bright light, just like Kaija’s personality"

The production will take place at the majestic Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna, Finland on Friday August 2, 2024, and Sunday, August 4, 2024.

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