Children’s operasfrom Finland

Children’s operas from Finland A s e l e c t i o n w i t h c o m m e n t s

Pekka Jalkanen

lastenoopperalista_EN.indd 1 25.11.2011 9:52:50

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intRoDUctionOperas for children are a growing genre in Finland as elsewhere. Composers of many generations have been inspired by the idea of children as audience, and have aspired to entertain the smallest music lovers with operas of various musical and theatrical styles.

This listing aims to help the operas to find their way to the young audiences around the world. Some of the works have already toured abroad as translations, some are still waiting for their localized versions. The listing also includes other basic information on the selection, for example duration and number of performers required.

The selection has been made by Pekka Jalkanen, who has also written a short commentary and plot descriptions of the works. More of Jalkanen’s expert knowledge on Finnish children’s operas can be read from The Finnish Tapir and Other Curious Stories, a brochure published by Finnish Music Information Centre Fimic.

More information on the availability of scores and other materials from Finnish Music Information Centre Fimic:

Pekka Jalkanen is composer and musicologist who has worked long with Finnish children’s music in both roles.

The Finnish Music Information Centre Fimic is the expert of Finnish music. We increase the awareness and availability of Finnish music, and aim to generate new performances both in Finland and abroad.

Our objective is to benefit the entire music business and to cover all music genres. We provide information actively, and offer customer and expert services to music professionals around the world. In addition, we organize and initiate diverse promotional activities.

illUstR Ations by Julia Vuori.ADDitionAl te x ts, eDit ing AnD l AyoUt by Merja Hottinen.tR Ansl Ation by Jaakko Mäntyjärvi.

Finnish Music Information Centre FimicLauttasaarentie 1FIN-00200 HelsinkiTel. +358 9 681 01 313Fax. +358 9 682 [email protected] (general inquiries)[email protected] (information on scores)www.fimic.fi


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FRiDRich BRUK Kissan talo (2003)A Cat’s HouseOpera in two acts for children and adults

10 soloists, children’s choir, orchestra (2222 4231 12 0 str)

Libretto: Pia Perkiö (in Finnish) Based on a story by Samuil Marshak, translated into Finnish by Alexandr BrukDuration: 1 h 50 minDistributor: Fimic

Kissan talo (A Cat’s House) by Fridrich Bruk (b. 1937) is a charming morality of friendship and treachery among animal in the finest traditions of Russian children’s culture. The opera is actually more of a Singspiel in a lyrical Neo-Classical style with allusions to children’s songs and folk music and the familiar ‘Flea Waltz’. The ‘Persian motif’ of the angora cat links the work to the fairy-tale world of Rimsky-Korsakov.

mARKUs FAgeRUDD Gaia (2000)Children’s opera

© Pate Pesonius / FNO (2001)

9 vocal soloists (3 sopranos, 4 tenors, 2 basses), ensemble (reed: fl+ssax+tsax+cl, trp, trb, tba, db+elbas, 2 perc, keyb, kantele, live electronics)

Libretto: Ilpo Tiihonen (in Finnish)Duration: c. 1 hDistributor: FimicCommissioned by the Finnish National Opera

Markus Fagerudd’s (b. 1961) charming whirlwind written by Ilpo Tiihonen focuses on the young love of Anna and Michael, contrasting against the indifference and child abuse of the powers that be: the tired King, the power-hungry Queen and their various lackeys. The magical conductor’s baton, the power of music, is the electronic deus ex machina in the work. Written in multiple styles in a satirical vein, the music roams through Italian arias, madrigals, Italian schlagers, pop and rock harmonies, and above all free-tonal Neo-Classicism reminiscent of Prokofiev. Stridently dissonant and based on harmonies related by thirds or tritones, the music also has its flip side, the modal music of the

‘good’, based on fourths and fifths. Gaia, the Earth Mother, and the kantele included in the scoring introduce a touch of Finnish archaism.

The work was created as part of the youth education experiment of the Finnish National Opera. The composer and librettist spent time in schools beforehand to get a feel for the moods and ideas of adolescents.

PRemieRe // 24 March 2001 at Finnish National Opera, Helsinki, Finland.Cast: Satu Vihavainen (Queen), Marko Putkonen (King), Tiina Vihervaara (Anna), Antti Timonen (Mikael), Vieno Saaristo (Gaia, speaking part).Orchestra: Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera, cond. Atso Almila.Director: Christian Lindblad.


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Heinähattu, Vilttitossu ja suuri pamaus (2003)Hayflower, Feltslipper and the Big BangChildren’s opera

© Kapsäkki

2 soloists (soprano, mezzosoprano), speaking part, accordion

Libretto: Sinikka and Tiina Nopola (in Finnish)Translated into German by Benjamin Schwitzer. Translated into Russian by Eleonora Joffe.Duration: c. 30 minDistributor: Fimic

Commissioned by Music Theatre Kapsäkki, this is another children’s opera by Markus Fagerudd. It is a mini-opera based on the children’s book by Sinikka and Tiina Nopola that describes the tragedy of jealousy caused by the arrival of a new baby and how to cope with it. Only 30 minutes long, the work progresses hilariously towards reconciliation and the beginning of a new life. Bold yet delicious, the music excellently reflects the mood swings of small children. How much pathos there is in the sad song of Strawhat, who casts herself as an orphan child, and how overjoyed she is when the baby is finally born! The economic scoring makes it possible to perform this work almost anywhere.

PRemieRe // 23 August 2003 at Theatre Museum, Helsinki, Finland by Music Theatre Kapsäkki.Cast: Reetta Ristimäki (Strawhat and Baby), Päivi Kantola (Feltslipper and Mother), Veli Kujala (accordion).Directors: Milko and Sesa Lehto.

RecoRDing // Kaps-1 / FUGA-9173 (2003)Heinähattu, Vilttitossu ja suuri pamaus. Opera and Theatre Company Kapsäkki.Cast: Reetta Ristimäki (Strawhat and Baby), Päivi Kantola (Feltslipper and Mother), Sesa Lehto (Father and Narrator), Veli Kujala (accordion).

Seitsemän koiraveljestä (2008)The Seven Dog BrothersFamily opera

© Timo Seppäläinen / Savonlinna Opera Festival (2009)

7 male roles (3 tenors, 3 baritones, bass) and 2 female roles (soprano, mezzo soprano), orchestra (1111 1110 11 0 pno str)

Libretto: Pipsa Lonka (in Finnish) after the children’s book by Mauri Kunnas Duration: c. 1 h 30 minDistributor: Fimic

The story of this opera by Markus Fagerudd is based on the children’s book by Mauri Kunnas, which in turn is an adaptation of one of the milestones of Finnish literature, the novel Seitsemän veljestä (The Seven Brothers, 1870) by Aleksis Kivi. It is cast in an acerbic idiom that provides a much deeper portrayal of the relationships of the brothers than the book by Kunnas. The idiom is more coherent and less pluralist than in earlier children’s operas. Critics were appreciative of the composer’s bold move in writing serious music in an original style for children.

The brothers have a key chord, a seven-part chromatic harmony based on a D major chord. A tranquil theme in mixolydian mode illustrating Jukola, the brothers’ homestead, is often linked to it. This dualism characterises the entire work. Chromaticism represents energy but also threats (as with the brothers stranded on Hiidenkivi rock surrounded by angry bulls, the fiery temper of Juhana or the vivacity of Eero), while diatonicism represents rest and even resignation (the tranquil forest of Impivaara, the sensibility of Aapo or the solidity of Tuomas). There are archetypal pentatonic interludes and pastiches of songs written to poems by Kivi. The ensemble scenes of the brothers are energetic but also comical, as in the spelling canons at the Precentor’s house


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or aleatoric clusters in the brothers’ screams on Hiidenkivi rock. Also, the Precentor reveals his Pyrenees breed in a flamenco howl.

PRemieRe // 12 July 2008 at Savonlinna Opera Festival, Savonlinna, Finland.Cast: Hannu Jurmu, Jussi Merikanto, Jukka Romu, Hermanni Rask, Ville Salonen, Sami Hokkanen, Herman Wallén, Sami Vartiainen, Sanna Majuri, Mari Palo. Orchestra: Kuopio Philharmonic Orchestra and children’s choir, cond. Nils Schweckendiek.Director: Johanna Freundlich.

PeRt tU hA APAnenOnni-Gepardi ja karhu (2003)Cheetah Onni and a BearChildren’s opera for music schools and institutes

soprano, sax quartet, piano, strings

Libretto: Team at Juvenalia Music School (in Finnish)Duration: 15 minDistributor: Fimic

This is a work by Perttu Haapanen (b. 1972) for one professional soloist and several groups of student instrumentalists that was premiered at a ‘shadow Nova’ event of the Musica nova Helsinki festival. It focuses on the joys and sorrows of small children, and its musical idiom flits innovatively from speech choir and whispers to Neo-Classicism to atonality.

PRemieRe // 6 March 2003 at Musica nova Helsinki festival, Espoo, Finland.Cast: Margit Tuokko, soprano, singers and instrumentalists from four music institutes in the Greater Helsinki area.Orchestra: Children’s Opera Orchestra of the Juvenalia Music School.Directors: Eve Alho and Liisa Kupiainen.

Kimmo hAKolAMara ja Katti (2011)Mara and KattiChildren’s opera

© Maarit Kytöharju

4 soloists (soprano, mezzo soprano, baritone and actor), descant choir and instrument ensemble (clarinet, harp, piano, accordion, viola)

Libretto: after the story by Johanna Jokipaltio (in Finnish)Duration: 55 minPublisher: Fennica GehrmanCommissioned by Taite ry.

Kimmo Hakola’s (b. 1958) new children’s opera Mara ja Katti is based on a children’s novel written by Johanna Jokipaltio, telling about a boy named Mara and his new cat friend Katti, and their adventures with the wicked King of Rats. In the escapade full of excitement, comedy and magical moments, the resolution requires cunning and cleverness from the two companions.

To accompany the stage happenings, the music makes its own kind of adventure, mixing genres as different as children’s songs, Baroque music, Kalevalaic poetry and experimentalism to a smoothly flowing whole. (MH)

PRemieRe // 23 August 2011 at Helsinki City Hall, Helsinki Festival, Finland.Cast: Paavo Kerosuo, Anu Hostikka, Tanja Kauppinen-Savijoki, Juha Hostikka.Musicians: Jari Hiekkapelto, piano, Lily-Marlene Puusepp, harp, Lotta Poijärvi, viola, Okko Kivikataja, clarinet, Niko Kumpuvaara, accordion, cond. Tuomas Hannikainen.Director: Janne Suutarinen.


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PeKK A JAlK Anen Tirlittan (1986)Children’s opera in two acts

5 soloists (child soprano, soprano, contralto, countertenor, bass), girls’ choir, orchestra (fl/a.fl/picc 2perc str 44321)

Libretto: Pekka Jalkanen (in Finnish) after the children’s novel by Oiva PaloheimoAdditional poems: Leena KrohnDuration: 1 h 20 minDistributor: FimicCommissioned by the City of Helsinki Cultural Office

The chamber opera Tirlittan (1986) by Pekka Jalkanen (b. 1945), based on the children’s book by Oiva Paloheimo, is the story of a daughter of a divorced couple who worries about her father; she sees him in turn as Dad, an innkeeper, a policeman, Death or the Heavenly Father. When Tirlittan’s home blew up, she landed in the canal, rose up and went out into the world, stole something and faced both prison and her father’s new, unfriendly wife. Her homesickness was alleviated by the funny Mrs Gout, who ultimately rescued her from an injurious fall from a trapeze and brought her back to life.

The music is minimalist and brings both joy and comfort to the turmoil of the main character’s mind. The vocal parts range from the high child soprano of the title character to the low bass of the Father and include a funny cross-dressing countertenor and a girls’ choir part that is demanding both vocally and in terms of stage action and features aleatorics. In both the vocal and the instrumental parts, motifs consisting of a few notes grow into extensive modal fields, variously representing dark forests, colourful market or circus scenes, or fires. The central motif is a fragile melody played on the ocarina that generates the entire musical material of the work.

Tirlittan was produced by the City of Helsinki Cultural Office for the inauguration of the Stoa Theatre in Itäkeskus, Helsinki, in January 1987. Further performances were given at the Helsinki Festival in the following autumn.

PRemieRe // 31 January 1987 at Stoa, Helsinki, Finland. Cast: Suvi Lehto (Tirlittan), Tuula-Marja Tuomela (Mother), Kaija Kiiski (Stallkeeper, Lady, Sales Assistant, Nurse), Sampo Suihko (Prison Commandant, Horse, Mrs Gout, Circus Ringmaster), Marko Putkonen (Dad, Heavenly Father, Policeman, Innkeeper, Death, Doctor).Orchestra: Käpylä Orchestra and Choir of the Sibelius Upper Secondary School, cond. Luis Ramirez.Director: Heikki Värtsi.

ilKK A KUUsistoMuumiooppera (1974)Moomin Opera

© FNO

7 vocal soloists (bass, contralto, tenor, 3 sopranos, mezzosoprano), female speaking part, male speaking part + harmonica, orchestra (1111 2111 11 hp str), electronics, 4–10 dancers

Libretto: Esko Elstelä (in Finnish) after Farlig midsommar (Midsummer Madness) by Tove JanssonDuration: c. 1 h 10 minPublisher: Fennica GehrmanCommissioned by the Finnish National Opera

Ilkka Kuusisto’s (b. 1933) Muumiooppera (Moomin Opera, 1974) was a pioneering work in the genre of children’s operas. It is based on Farlig midsommar (Midsummer Madness), the first Moomin book written by Tove Jansson.

Moomin Valley is flooded, plants begin to grow uncontrollably, the waters rise and an (almost) abandoned opera house drifts into the valley. A survival adventure is launched, calling on courage, curiosity, tolerance, a balanced mind and a perception of what is important. The dramaturgical coup of


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featuring a floating opera house enables the convention of an ‘opera within an opera’, complete with quotes from Carmen and Wagner, and Romantic music. The theme song, a modal tune given to Snufkin, reflects the importance of art even amidst disaster.

Muumiooppera provided the template for many subsequent children’s operas. The music is ‘adult music’ and not all that different from the composer’s other works. Many followed Kuusisto’s lead in employing a Neo-Classical style extending to free-tonality; clear but often complicated melodic lines; no Leitmotifs; rich four-part chords with much modulation; busy and quirky rhythms; amusing quotes and allusions to children’s songs, opera and popular music; and colourful orchestration and naivist tone painting (‘onomatopoeic’, as Kuusisto himself calls it), including electric Hattifatteners.

Since the premiere at the Finnish National Opera, Muumiooppera has been produced at the Graz Opera in Austria in 1977. Kuusisto’s later output for children includes the ballets Lumikuningatar (The Snow Queen, 1979) and Robin Hood (1985).

PRemieRe // 7 April 1974 at Finnish National Opera, Helsinki, Finland.Conductor: Ilkka Kuusisto.

JA AKKo KUUsistoPrinsessan och vildsvanarna (2002)The Princess and the Wild SwansFairy-tale opera in two acts

CD cover (FSRCD 14)

6 soloists (soprano, mezzo soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone, bass), choir SATB, ensemble (1111 0000 10 pno str)

Libretto: Liselott Forsman (in Swedish) after H.C. AndersenDuration: 1 hDistributor: Fimic

Jaakko Kuusisto’s (b. 1974) first opera is a children’s opera written for pedagogical purposes. It is a song of praise to the Princess Elisa. Enchanted into muteness, she knits shirts of nettles for her brothers, who have been transformed into swans by their stepmother, a witch.

The work is conceived as a simple Classical-Romantic pastiche like a solemn ballad. The chorus of courtiers functions like a Leitmotif or indeed the chorus in a Greek drama, leading the action. The Neo-Classical harmonies employ major seventh and ninth chords and also harmonies built on fourths and fifths with an Impressionist flavour. The good guys have diatonic music and the bad guys have chromatic music, reflecting the ideals of beauty in Andersen’s story. This is a gratifying work for professionals and amateurs to perform together!

PRemieRe // 12 January 2003 at Espoo Culture Centre, Espoo, Finland.Cast: Students from the Kungsvägen Music Institute, Serena Choir.Orchestra: Cappella NSM, cond. Jan Söderblom.Director: Ville Sandqvist.

RecoRDing // Yle Radio Vega FSRCD 14 (2005)Prinsessan och vildsvanarna, sagoopera efter H.C. Anderséns saga.

.Cast: Pia Rantasaari (Elisa), Markus Nykänen (King), Antti Tolvanen (Bishop), Aurora Blomqvist (Jan, Soldier, Agitator), Satu Wendell (Leo, Soldier, Agitator), Anna Eriksson (Theo, Soldier, Agitator), Hannele Eriksson (Axel, Soldier, Agitator), Nina Tolonen (Old Woman, Good Fairy), Mikael Grönroos (Young King), Emelie Ahlström & Josefin Silén (Åsa). Serena Choir.Orchestra: Cappella String Orchestra, cond. Jaakko Kuusisto.


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Koirien Kalevala (2003)Canine KalevalaAn opera for the whole family in one act, based on the book by Mauri Kunnas


6 singing and speaking roles (soprano, mezzo soprano, contralto, 2 tenors, baritone), 3 dancers, mixed choir, orchestra (2121 2100 111 pno str)

Libretto: Sami Parkkinen (in Finnish)Duration: 1 h 15 min Publisher: Savonlinnan Oopperajuhlat OyCommissioned by the Savonlinna Opera Festival

Koirien Kalevala (Canine Kalevala) by Jaakko Kuusisto was the first of the three ‘dog operas’ commissioned by the Savonlinna Opera Festival. It presents the key events of the Finnish national epic in eight scenes, tongue firmly in cheek. Despite its dramatic subject matter, it is airy and lyrical. As with Jaakko Kuusisto’s previous opera, the harmonies are rich and original, with major seventh chords lending an Impressionist flavour. The conflicts between Kalevala and Pohjola and the scenes featuring Tuonela (the land of the dead) and the storm prompt associations with Jean Sibelius and Uuno Klami and the colourful orchestrations of Rimsky-Korsakov. The kantele of Väinämöinen plays major-key harmonies, enchants the inhabitants of Dog Hill and puts the people of Pohjola into a fatal sleep. There is a touch of runo melodies in the motifs of Väinämöinen, the patriarch; Louhi sings in a rather heavy-handed Ostrobothnian folk song style; Tytti, the Maiden of Pohjola, is a cuckoo; and the Mother of Lemminkäinen, a cat, is an energetic rock’n roll granny. Slapstick and pantomime combine to keep the gags rolling throughout. The opera is a fable, explaining why dogs began to bark and cats to mew.

Koirien Kalevala is one of the most successful Finnish children’s operas of all time. It has been produced several times and released on DVD jointly by the Savonlinna Opera Festival and Ondine Records.

PRemieRe // 12 July 2004 at Savonlinna Opera Festival, Savonlinna, Finland.Cast: including Tom Wahlström (Lemminkäinen, a cat), Jukka Romu (Väinämöinen, a dog), Juha Hostikka (Ilmarinen, a dog), Eija Ahvo (Lemminkäinen’s Mother), Tiina Sinkkonen (Louhi, a wolf), Mari Palo (Tytti), Lotta Kuusisto (the Wasp), Sami Vartiainen (Mr Clutterbuck). Orchestra: The UNKO Orchestra, cond. Jaakko Kuusisto.Director: Minna Vainikainen.

RecoRDing (DVD) // Ondine ODV 4007 (2007).Jaakko Kuusisto: Koirien Kalevala. Cast: Toni Wahlström, Jukka Romu, Juha Hostikka, Eija Ahvo, Tiina Sinkkonen, Mari Palo, Sami Vartiainen, Lotta Kuusisto, Canine Kalevala Chorus. Orchestra: Kuopio Philharmonic Orchestra, cond. Jaakko Kuusisto.Director and choreographer: Minna Vainikainen.TV director: Roope Koistinen Co-production of the Savonlinna Opera Festival and Ondine Inc.

timo-JUhAni KyllÖnen Roope – poika joka ei uskalta-nut pelätä (2006)Little Roope who Dared not Be Afraid4 soloists (baritone, bass baritone, mezzo soprano, soprano), child soloists, youth choir and vocal ensemble, orchestra (1111 2110 14 keyb str)

Libretto: Leena Laulajainen (in Finnish)Duration: c. 1 hDistributor: Fimic

Timo-Juhani Kyllönen’s (b. 1955) Roope is an opera based on a modified folk tale about a child hiding his fear: “A Finnish man does not cry.” Foolhardiness taken to the extreme leads to self-destruction, not the removal of fear. Only love and readjusted family values can lead to a happy ending. Dark, free-tonal music fires the gang scenes


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with beat and breakdance energy, harking back to the street violence in West Side Story. Written for amateur performers, the opera nevertheless poses a multitude of challenges.

PRemieRe // 15 November 2007 in Vantaa, Finland.Cast: Suzuki voice students from Virtus Music School and the Crescendo vocal ensemble; teachers and parents.Orchestra: Amici Musicii, cond. Luis Ramirez.

El Libro de los Reyes (2009)The Book of KingsÓpera familiar para solistas y orquesta de camera (Family opera for soloists and chamber orchestra)

2 major roles (baritone, bass), 10 minor roles, choir, orchestra (1111 1110 11 0 keyb pno str)

Libretto: Maritza Núñez (in Spanish)Duration: 1 h 20 min

El Libro de los Reyes by Timo-Juhani Kyllönen is a farce in its libretto but a sombre tragedy in its music. It tells the story of the web of lies woven by a vanity-stricken court elite; it is about control and the freedom of the individual, and about corruption, powerlust and child abuse that ends up in kidnapping. Arrayed against the forces of evil are the resourcefulness of two children and the morality of justice. The dark, free-tonal music, with Spanish spices, criticises the elite and underlines that innocence and love will prevail.

The opera was premiered jointly by the Gran Teatro Falla in Cádiz and Music Theatre Kapsäkki in Espoo in 2009. The production at Sellosali in Espoo was directed by Ossi Koskelainen and included the Hyvinkää Orchestra conducted by José Arada.

PRemieRe // 19 March 2009 in Cádiz, Spain byMusic Theatre Kapsäkki and Gran Teatro Falla.Cast: including Pedro Miguel Calvo Durán, Juha Kotilainen, Juha Hostikka, Vilma Kiviniemi, Jyri Lahtinen, Mika Nikander, Reetta Ristimäki, Hermanni Rask, Desirée Seglar Rodríguez, Janne Sundquist and Viktor Vansen. Orchestra: Gran Teatro Falla Camerata, cond. José Luis Lopéz Arada.Director: Jaroslaw Bielsky.

JoUKo linJAmASuomalainen tapiiri (1999)The Finnish TapirFairy-tale opera in two acts

© Heikki Tuuli / FNO

4 soloists (tenor, soprano, mezzosoprano, baritone), orchestra (1111 1000 10 pno+cel str)

Libretto: Esko-Pekka Tiitinen (in Finnish)Duration: c. 1 h 20 minDistributor: FimicCommissioned by the Finnish National Opera

The chamber opera Suomalainen tapiiri (The Finnish Tapir) by Jouko Linjama (b. 1934) to a libretto by Esko-Pekka Tiitinen is a powerful comment against bullying and racism. A tapir who has run all the way from India to Finland is faced with a gang leader, Cap, and the athletic Pig: authoritarian, violent and sports-crazy Finns. Salvation comes in the form of the love of the Tapir and the Chicken, aided and abetted by the mysterious and protective Shadow Cluster.

The music grows from a nucleus: the rising third that opens the famous Brahms lullaby. Layered and interweaving thirds form chromatic melodies and harmonic and tonal fields bordering on atonality. Instead of Leitmotifs there are various textures that emerge from the situation: Cap’s fear is underscored by rapid repetitions and seconds, while more tranquil moods are built up of thirds, and change is represented by whizzing scales. However, the chromatic angst is balanced by quotes from familiar songs such as the Christmas song Porsaita äidin oomme kaikki (We are all mother’s piglets), the roundelay Piiri pieni pyörii (Dancing in a circle) and Yellow Submarine.

PRemieRe // 3 March 2004 at Finnish National Opera, Helsinki, Finland.


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Cast: Jussi Miilunpalo (Tapir), Pia Komsi (Chicken), Kaija Nuoranne (Pig), Jaakko Kortekangas (Cap). Orchestra: Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera, cond. Pietari Inkinen.Director: Ville Saukkonen.

JUKK A linKolAJoppe Jokamies (2004)Eddie EverymanAn opera about dreams

baritone-cellist, piano

Libretto: Jukka Linkola (in Finnish) after a story by Kaarina HelakisaDuration: 45 minCommissioned by Pekka Haahti and Seppo Tarhio

Jukka Linkola’s (b. 1955) Joppe Jokamies (Eddie Everyman) is a monologue opera about the difficulty of finding one’s identity. Identity is here represented by Roosa, a cello to which Eddie has developed a love-hate relationship. He tries to mask his fears by escaping from one dream to another, trying his hand at being a dance artist, a visual artist, an actor, an author, a tango singer, a builder, a baker, a fashion designer, a singer, a circus artist, and so on. Finally, he accepts his inner Roosa and returns to his cello, which he has been avoiding.

Written for adolescents, the music in this opera is free-tonal, Romantic and Impressionist, with some jazz and popular music elements. The concluding passionate cadenza and soaring romance ‘con calore’ bring together a musical portrait of Eddie, a Puccini-like melody based on a minor second.

PRemieRe // 24 September 2004 at Malmi Hall, Helsinki, Finland.Cast: Pekka Haahti, baritone and cello, Seppo Tarhio, piano.Director and staging: Ville Saukkonen.

Hui kauhistus (2006)One Spooky NightOpera for the whole family


7 soloists (3 sopranos, 2 tenors, 2 baritones)and choir, orchestra (1111 1110 pno str)

Libretto: Sami Parkkinen (in Finnish) based on a story by Mauri KunnasDuration: 1 h 30 min Publisher: Savonlinnan Oopperajuhlat OyCommissioned by the Savonlinna Opera Festival

In Hui kauhistus (One Spooky Night) by Jukka Linkola, the Dog Hill grandpa, Mäkinen, falls asleep during a chess game and is plunged into a world of terrors and ghosts. But the others are afraid too: the Bogey, the Pirate and the Vampire – everyone. In the end, all is revealed as a misunderstanding. The Maiden in the Castle is the school cook on whom all the male dogs have a crush, the Pirate Captain is Andersson the caretaker, and so on. There is no need for fear. Besides, a little bit of horror is nice now and then.

Linkola writes in a free-tonal and situational idiom. Usually the music grows from a characteristic interval: a third for Grandpa, a gradually expanding fourth for the Bogey and Sipsu, and a sixth for Witch Hooknose. There is stylistic plurality in the work. In the vampire castle, the grand old vampire Drakkula sings in a Romanian mode, the Pirate Captain is channelling Elvis, and the Skeleton rattles in tiny chromatic movements. There is a Medieval touch in the scenes with the Maiden in the Castle and on the moor. The general approach is very similar to Mussorgsky’s A Night on the Bald Mountain: pervasively chromatic music illustrates the horrors of the night, only to meld into a relieved diatonicism as morning dawns.

PRemieRe // 17 July 2006 at Savonlinna Opera Festival, Savonlinna, Finland.


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Cast: Jukka Romu, Toni Wahlström, Mari Palo, Juha Hostikka, Jaakko Kortekangas, Angelika Klas, Leena Liimatainen, Hermanni Rask, Sami Vartiainen, Lotta Kuusisto, Riikka Räisänen.Orchestra: The UNKO Orchestra, cond. Jukka Linkola.Director and choreography: Minna Vainikainen.

Robin Hood (2011)

© Stefan Bremer / FNO (2011)

13 singingin roles (3 sopranos, 2 mezzo sopranos, contralto, 3 tenors, baritone, bass baritone, 2 basses), 2 speaking roles, choir (SATB), boy choir (SA), orchestra (3333 4331 14 1 pno str)

Libretto: Jukka Virtanen (after a folk story dramatised by Kari Heiskanen)Duration: 2 h 50 minCommissioned by the Finnish National Opera

The legend of Robin Hood is familiar to all, and it has inspired youngsters from generation to generation. As the original story, also Jukka Linkola’s Robin Hood is full of excitement, adventure and humour, with a subplot of the well known romance between Robin and Marion.

The opera was written in close collaboration with librettist Jukka Virtanen and dramaturg-director Kari Heiskanen. Accordingly, the music fits the stage events exactly and makes use of movie-like tricks and timings. Lot of space is given for example to the impressive battle scenes, made to attract the teenage boys otherwise rarely seen among the opera audience.

Robin Hood was commissioned for the 100th anniversary of Finnish National Opera, and it made use of all the resources of the opera’s main stage and its large crew of singers and set designers. With funding from the Finnish Cultural Foundation, thousands of school children from all around Finland were invited to the performances in 2011. (MH)

PRemieRe // 14 January 2011 at Finnish National Opera, Helsinki, Finland. Cast: Ville Rusanen, Jyrki Korhonen, Mari Palo, Jyrki Anttila, Melis Jaatinen, Aki Alamikkotervo, Hannu Forsberg, Sari Nordqvist, Päivi Nisula, Niall Chorell, Koit Koasepp, Hanna Husáhr, Tove Åman, Olavi Niemi, Jarmo Mäkinen.Orchestra: Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera, cond. Mikko Franck.Director: Kari Heiskanen.

KiRmo lintinenVoi vietävä! (2001)Nuts about NoshChildren’s opera

© Tanja Ahola / Helsinki Skaala Opera

4 vocal soloists (soprano, mezzosoprano, tenor, bass), clarinet (Eb, Bb, A, basscl), percussion, double bass, harmonium

Libretto: Karla Loppi and Päivi Loponen (in Finnish)English translation (Nuts about Nosh, 2003) by Roderick FletcherRussian translation (Nu i nu, 2008) by Anna SidorovaDuration: 40 minDistributor: FimicCommissioned by Helsinki Skaala Opera

Voi vietävä! (Nuts about Nosh, 2001) by Kirmo Lintinen (b. 1967) to a libretto by Karla Loppi and Päivi Loponen is a 40-minute nature-themed entertainment. The animals of the forest (Squirrel, Bird and Bear) are wary of the slithering clarinet snake. The quartet of flesh-eating Sundews embodies the ruthlessness of nature. The biggest threat, however, is the Axeman, who bawls in an incomprehensible language. He lures the snake into his lunch bag, followed by the ever-hungry Squirrel. A snakebite causes


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the human and the animals to understand one another, and they reach an ecological consensus. “For he’s a jolly good fellow!”

The authors, refusing to write down to children, aimed “to present all the things wonderful, hilarious and beautiful the human voice can do. Since the authors are opera professionals, they wanted to include vocal acrobatics, bird calls, echoes and a death scene with loads of pathos.” Lintinen’s free-tonal idiom responds to the challenge. The humorously broad intervals in the melodic lines require a good ear, and the music is so chromatic as to be almost atonal. The strange instrumental lineup provides a Neo-Classical flavour. The modal theme song and scraps of melody recalling archetypal children’s songs appeal to the youngest viewers.

The opera was performed in a sung translation in English by Roderick Fletcher to a favourable reception at the Soundstreams festival in Toronto, Canada in 2003. It has also been performed in a Russian translation in Russia in 2008.

PRemieRe // 1 September 2001 at Helsinki Festival, Jumo Jazz Club, Helsinki, Finland.Cast: The Helsinki Skaala Opera: Mari Palo (Squirrel, Sundew 1a), Riikka Rantanen (Bird, Sundew 1b), Jussi Järvenpää (Axeman, Sundew 2), Janne Sundqvist (Bear, Sundew 3). Ensemble: Päivi Kiljala, clarinet; Sampo Lassila, double bass; Hanna Susitaival, harmonium; Mongo Aaltonen, percussion; cond. Jyri Nissilä.Director: Karla Loppi.

sePPo PohJolAArabian jänis (2004)Arabian RabbitChildren’s opera in one act

© Patrizia Schoizzi

soprano, clarinet, violin, piano

Libretto: Sinikka Nopola (in Finnish)Dutch translation by Anton Haveraar.Duration: 30 minDistributor: FimicCommissioned by Music Theatre Kapsäkki

Arabian Jänis (Arabian Rabbit) by Seppo Pohjola (b. 1965) to a poetic libretto by Sinikka Nopola is a minor monologue opera about feelings of being different and an outsider, and the fear of being excluded. The Rabbit, born in Arabia (a district in Helsinki, not in the Middle East), clings to his winter coat and believes that he will remain a dirty white colour for ever, until...

The musical idiom in Arabian Rabbit is Neo-Classicism taken at breakneck speed, to the point of parody. The musical ideas are derived from archetypal children’s songs, such as the second-based chant Olen vielä valkoinen (I’m still white), the third-based Hei hei (Hey hey) and Haapamäeltä Hokkaidoon (From Haapamäki to Hokkaido) or the lilting pentatonic Ruumiini on pallon muotoinen (My body is sphere-shaped). There are numerous tone-painting allusions: the Rabbit stumbles about in syncopations and superimposed rhythms, Arabia has an eastern feel to it, and the swans soar in broad scale passages. Some familiar melodies are also incorporated, like the football / ice hockey chant Norja tekee kohta maalin (Norway are about to score) to the tune of Battle Hymn of the Republic. The overall mood is naivist and humorous, with a whiff of sarcasm at times. The constant chromatic modulations, reminiscent of Kodály pedagogics and piano exercises, are a distancing device but also an ironic one. Perhaps the Rabbit wishes to discard not only his fur but his memories of music lessons and the school choir.

Arabian Rabbit has also been performed in a Dutch translation at schools and theatres in the Netherlands in autumn 2010.

PRemieRe // 20 August 2004 at Helsinki Festival, Stoa, Helsinki by Music Theatre Kapsäkki.Cast: Päivi Kantola, soprano; Päivi Kiljava, clarinet; Päivi Rissanen, violin; Rebekka Angervo, piano.Director: Christian Lindblad.

RecoRDing // Alba ABCD 228 (2006). Seppo Pohjola – Sinikka Nopola: Arabian jänis. Arabian Rabbit. Cast: Päivi Kantola, soprano; Päivi Kiljala, clarinet; Terhi Paldanius, violin; Eveliina Sumelius-Lindblom, piano.


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heRmAn RechBeRgeR Zin Kibaru (1977)2 girl soloists, flute, Orff instruments, guitar, harmonica, violin, percussion, 2 upright pianos, kantele, dancers, tape

Libretto: Herman Rechberger, based on an African sign languageDuration: 35 minDistributor: FimicCommissioned by the Kajaani Municipal Theatre

Herman Rechberger’s (b. 1947) Zin Kibaru is a composite music, dance, soundscape and electronic work based on an African story, intended for schoolchildren to perform. The story, performed in sign language, is about using the power of song to subdue a demon lurking in the river. Featuring much improvisation and drama, this was one of the first Finnish audience education projects aimed at adolescents.

PRemieRe // 15 April 1978 in Kajaani, Finland.Cast: Pupils of Linna upper level comprehensive school, cond. Gudrun Viergutz.Director: Kaija Viinikainen.Choreographer: Liisa Tiitinen.

Noitasapatti (2000)Black SabbathMiniature opera

mezzo soprano, bass baritone, children’s choir, synthesizer

Libretto: Ilpo TiihonenDuration: 20 minDistributor: FimicCommissioned by the Finnish National Opera

Like Zin Kibaru, Herman Rechberger’s Noitasapatti (Black Sabbath) is designed to introduce adolescents to opera and was the first work of its kind in the audience education project of the Finnish National Opera, based on a British concept. The work has been performed in joint productions between three professional musicians

and schoolchildren at numerous schools in Helsinki and elsewhere in Finland.

In the libretto by Ilpo Tiihonen, Marketta Maununtytär is accused of witchcraft, specifically the following crimes: attempting to suffocate a merchant’s wife, causing the death of a priest, and participating in the Black Sabbath. In reality, the first ‘victim’ almost choked on her own buns, the second died of natural causes at the age of 100, and the Black Sabbath turned out to be a collective delusion of bunch of drunks. The audience is called upon to represent the jurors of the Turku Court of Appeal in delivering a verdict.

The music in this work consists of minimalist, archaic gestures of the Dies irae type on the one hand and of free-tonality with atonal ambitions on the other. In contrast to the general musical environment we find the appealing folksong melodies of Marketta, the bleak twelve-tone music of the Judge and the aleatorics and speech-song of the Black Sabbath scene. The orchestra consists of one man and his synthesiser, which is used to great effect, and instruments of all kinds made by the children themselves provide further accompaniment. This versatile work can be produced at a school in about six weeks.

PRemieRe // 30 September 2000 at Finnish National Opera, Helsinki, Finland.Cast: Mika Nikander / Pertti Lehtinen, Minna-Sisko Mutanen / Krista Pellikka.Accompanist: Kari Hänninen.Directors: Jussi Tapola and Hannele Martikainen.


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Mielinkielinliemi (2001)The Night of WishesOpera for ages 8 to 80

6 roles (soprano, contralto, 2 tenors, 2 bass), children’s choir, orchestra (1111 0000 03 keyb str)

Libretto: Herman Rechberger (in German and Finnish) after the children’s novel Der Satanarchäolugenialkohollische Wunschpunsch by Michael Ende and its Finnish translation by Marja KyröDuration: 1 h 20 minDistributor: Fimic

Mielinkielinliemi (The Night of Wishes, 1999), written by Herman Rechberger for the FNO, is scored for six soloists, girls’ choir and symphony orchestra. It is a setting of a story by Michael Ende and is a horror opera perhaps not suitable for very small children but all the more interesting for monster and vampire enthusiasts. The action is set in the magicatorium and torture chamber of Professor Doctor Beelzebub Preposteror, which is literally the antechamber to hell. The opera is essentially an allegory of good and evil where good triumphs over evil not so much because of the skills of the good guys but because of their luck. The music makes absolutely no concessions: the orchestral and choral parts are a maelstrom of energy, and the chromatic, speech-like writing for the soloists is not any easier on the listener. The charming madrigal-like arias of Maurizio, the tom cat, are a refreshing exception amidst all the chaos. The deus ex machina in the opera is the saving stroke of the bell – the power of music – at exactly the right moment.

Das Opernschiff (2004)The Opera ShipChildren’s opera in three acts

9 soloists (2 sopranos, 3 mezzosopranos, contralto, tenor, bass baritone, bass), orchestra (2111 0100 01 0 keyb str)

Libretto: Elke Heidenreich (in German)Duration: 60 min3rd prize in a children’s opera composition competition in Cologne

In Herman Rechberger’s opera Das Opernschiff, to a libretto in German, an opera ship travels to the South Pole once a year because the penguins – dressed in white tie and tails, naturally – are opera lovers, particularly Uncle Otto, who used to play violin in an opera orchestra. At the South Pole, his violin has frozen and broken. Lotti only cares for Madonna and the Spice Girls and does not want to listen to opera. Finally, however, the sad story of La traviata captivates the young penguins too. Uncle Otto receives a new violin and a new vitality.

The music embraces all things Viennese with a passion. It is overflowing with schmalz: the overture spins chromatic Schrammel into a samba and even touches on sombre Korngoldian tones. Mozart, Mahler and Wagner are also hovering in the wings. The melodies of the penguin choir follow the same lines, with some more poignant tones included. The opera revolves around La traviata and accordingly quotes from its overture and intermezzo, and from the arias of Violetta and Germont. Stylistically pluralist and highly chromatic, the music nevertheless also includes a lot of melody and popular music elements, from Schrammel and wienerwaltz to beat music. At times, it is difficult to tell whether the work is trying to be opera or theatre. Overall, this is a celebration of eclecticism, and undoubtedly also a tribute by the composer to the music of his native Austria.

Das Opernschiff was awarded 3rd prize in an international children’s opera composition competition in Cologne in 2005.


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tUomo teiRilÄ Pyymosa. Satu kylästä, joka vapautui ajan kahleista (1999)Pyymosa. The Tale of a Village that Escaped the Shackles of TimeOpera in one act

7 soloists (2 sopranos, 2 mezzosopranos, tenor, baritone, bass baritone), choir, orchestra (4443.5sax 4310 16 0 2-4keyb acc str 12-10-8-8-6)

Libretto: Tuomo Teirilä (in Finnish)Duration: 1h 30 minDistributor: FimicCommissioned by the Vantaa Music Institute

Pyymosa (1999) is a massive opera by Tuomo Teirilä (b. 1952) for two dozen soloists, ballet and symphony orchestra, a broad fantasy canvas in the spirit of The Lord of the Rings. Even the orchestra is huge: a symphony orchestra augmented with a sax quartet, four percussionists, two pianos and accordion and requiring a large body of strings.

In the story, set in the Middle Ages, the village of Pyymosa is convinced by an outsider, the Wanderer, to aspire to immortality by halting the progress of time. Only three people disagree: Villehard, Ulrika and Terhi. They run away from the village and try to deny what has happened. The trio is carried through time and history by a series of adventures: through the Crusades to the time of Dante and Tasso, and back again towards ancient Troy, Uruk, the Big Bang, the world of dreams and oblivion. The history of the world is shown as a cavalcade of horrors: wars, atrocities and mayhem. It is not until the adventurers manage to return to Pyymosa and restore time that we see a glimmer of hope.

This bleak image calls for bleak music. Teirilä creates an impressively dark and rugged atmosphere with his free-tonal and chromatic music. Archaic recitatives revolving around a few chromatic notes punctuate the thick orchestral texture. There are occasional outbreaks of Medieval-style harmonies in the fashion of Carmina burana. The

chromatic organum in fourths sung by the Crusaders to shifting Balkan rhythms grimly illustrates dreams gone horribly wrong. In ancient Uruk, there is no melody and no harmony, only a huge array of percussion.The bleakness is offset by some more serene moments, dreams and visions of the starry sky. Generally, however, the opera is extremely dark like the world of an adolescent can be at its worst, except for the brighter ending.

Commissioned by the Vantaa Music Institute, the opera was designed to be performable by a partly amateur ensemble.

PRemieRe // 11 May 2000 at Myyrmäkitalo, Vantaa, Finland by Vantaa Music Institute and Laurus Choir.Cast: Anna Suurmäki (Ulriika), Arto Hosio (Villehad), Karoliina Leskinen (Terhi), Henrik Lamberg (Harhailija), Anitta Ranta (Ningal), Anne Lampela (Hekabe), Jyrki Ijäs (Rinaldo), Chamber Choir Laurus, Choir of Vantaa Music Institute.Orchestra: Orchestra of Vantaa Music Institute, cond. Jarmo Ahvenainen.Director: Maire Saure.

ARi VAKKilAinen Punahilkka (2000)Little Red Riding HoodFairy-tale opera

7 soloists (2 speaking roles, 5 major roles), orchestra (1111 1010 01 pno str)

Libretto: Emma Puikkonen (in Finnish)Duration: c. 60 minDistributor: Fimic

The fairy-tale opera Punahilkka (Little Red Riding Hood) by Ari Vakkilainen (b. 1959) is an achingly beautiful story of growth. Based on the classic fairy tale, the opera is a Bettelheimian account of a young girl growing into a woman illustrated through symbols such as flowery meadows, food baskets and exciting wolf hair. The transformation of Grandmother into something horrible also marks an irreversible departure from childhood.


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In terms of its music, Punahilkka is a “Romantic pastiche”, but only in name. What Vakkilainen has managed to do is to create a poignantly lovely series of images, like a shiny nostalgic picture book of a turning point in the life of a young person. Simple melodies soar into expansive arcs as required, functioning as Leitmotifs as well, capturing the essence of the process of growing up. The ostensibly innocent Little Red Riding Hood bouncing along in 6/8 time is contrasted by the elegiac and tragic figure of the Wolf, a lovable rogue and miserable reject who nevertheless packs more punch than the fanfares of the hunters and the idyll of Grandmother’s cottage. The harp, the simple and repetitive string figures and the threatening low winds carry the drama of the tale admirably.

The polyphonic concluding song is a resigned admission that the adventure has concluded in bourgeois stagnation.

PRemieRe // 9 August 2000 at Suomenlinna Opera Festival, Tenaille von Fersen, Helsinki by Suomenlinna Opera Association.Cast: Helena Juntunen (Little Red Riding Hood), Sirpa Nuuttila (Mother), Kirsti Valento-Laine (Grandmother), Pertti Lehtinen (Wolf), Lasse Riutamaa (Hunter), School children from Suomenlinna School (Animals of the forest), cond. Jukka IisakkilaDirector: Hanna Paatero.

hARRi wessmAn Ötökkäooppera. Heinäsirkat ja muurahaiset (1998)Bug Opera. The Grasshoppers and the AntsChamber opera in two acts

8 soloists (soprano, contralto, 4 tenors, bass baritone, bass), actor, children’s or youth choir, flute, synthesizer, strings

Libretto: Lauri Mannermaa and Pekka Turkka (in Finnish)Duration: 60 min

Commissioned by Central Helsinki Music Institute

Ötökkäooppera (Bug Opera) by Harri Wessman (1949–) turns the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and the fable of the grasshopper and the ant on their heads. Olli, a grasshopper, is convicted of stealing cabbage and sentenced to descend to the underworld of the ant hill. He is saved by Eeva, a lady grasshopper. The leading couple are anarchistic and wild compared with the boring ants.

Wessman’s music is, as always, Neo-Classical or ‘Neo-Pathos’ as he himself calls it, a distancing device to the point of sarcasm. He gives short shrift to material based on the most hackneyed archetypal children’s songs: chants based on thirds, aimless pentatonic tunes and scale passages. Four-part chords with added ninths and fourths introduce a sort of clandestine cool sophistication reminiscent of Erik Satie and a jazz flavour. There are also ironic quotes such as the recurring motif Oi kaalinpää, sun lehtes herkulliset (‘O cabbage head, your leaves are so delicious’, a takeoff on O Tannenbaum), scraps of tarantella, an advertising jingle for the national lottery and a twisted version of Finland’s national anthem. In the trial scene, the Policeman uses the sing-song tritone of a police car siren, the Crime Lab Technician is a fundamentalist pitch-class believer, and the School Psychologist makes a fool of himself with an ingratiating four-note cabaret waltz. School music is also roundly ridiculed in the cacophonous recorder ensemble of the ants.

The point of all this is to highlight the importance of having a free and independent mind. Contributing to this are a gratifying choir part involving much improvisation; this part was taken by the ‘drama choir’ Tarantella in the premiere production.

PRemieRe // 27 September 1998 in Helsinki, Finland byFinnish Chamber Opera in cooperation with the Central Helsinki Music Institute.Cast: Drama choir Tarantella of the Central Helsinki Music School.Director: Janne Lehmusvuori.


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eK At ooPPeRAt (2007)MY FIRST OPERAS

DVD release of five animated-film operas

This sequence of five operas of about five minutes each, executed as animated films, was a joint effort by the Finnish National Opera, the Sibelius Academy, the South Savo Arts Council, the Mikkeli Art Museum and schoolchildren in the Mikkeli area and a resounding hit. The disarming naivism of children’s texts, drawings and clay animations was an excellent starting point for a series of mini-operas. The music was contributed by composition students at the Sibelius Academy employing their own post-serialist means.

The clearly formulated vocal parts for a handful of singers and colourful chamber orchestra textures outline tantalising miniature dramaturgies. In Aurinko ja kuu (Sun and Moon) by Jarkko Hartikainen (b. 1981), the wise old owl immediately decides which is the better light, the Sun or the Moon. Lehmä karkaa (The cow escapes) by Ari Romppanen (b. 1974) has a vocal part based on a cattle call, and a happy ending. In Kalastaja, joka rikkoi toisten verkot (The fisherman who ripped the others’ nets) by Adam Világi (b. 1977), a bad deed is punished; the Leitmotif is an ascending chromatic field that recalls the action of ripping. In Geenimanipuloidun omenan aaria (The aria of the genetically modified apple) by Kimmo Kuokkala (b. 1973), the arrogant character of the Big Apple is created through ring-modulated distortion. Lehmä ja pilvi (The cow and the cloud) by Matti Laiho (b. 1979)addresses the age-old question of whether cows can fly, with wafer-thin textures.

A rumbling operatic voice may be scary for small children on DVD, but in live performances it is guaranteed to be hilarious.

The broadcast history of the DVD is rather curious: thanks to the promotional efforts of Fimic, it was first taken up by national TV in India!

RecoRDing (DVD) // Ekat Oopperat (My first operas, 2007). Cast: Vocal soloists of the Finnish National Opera and the Vivo Symphony Orchestra, cond. Kari Tikka.Duration: 24 minLive premiere: 12 July 2007 in Pieksämäki, Finland.TV premiere: 4 October 2007 in Doordarshan, India’s National TV Channel, India.

JARKKo hARtiK AinenAurinko ja kuu (2006)Sun and moonAnimated opera

soprano, tenor, bass, orchestra (1111 1110 01 0 pno str 33221)

Libretto: Pupils at Suonsalmi School, instructor Susanna Kolehmainen (in Finnish)Duration: 4 minDistributor: FimicCommissioned by the Finnish National Opera

DVD // Cast: Anu Hostikka, soprano (Moon); Veli-Pekka Väisänen, bass (Sun); Juha Riihimäki, tenor (Owl)Orchestra: Vivo Symphony Orchestra, cond. Kari TikkaAnimation: Pupils at Toroppala School, instructors Reetta Neittaanmäki and Karoliina Leisti.


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ARi RomPPAnenLehmä karkaa (2006)The cow escapesAnimated miniature opera

soprano, bass, 2 contraltos, 2 tenors, orchestra (1111 1110 01 0 str)


DVD // Cast: Anu Hostikka (Farmer’s Wife), Petri Pussila (Farmer), Minna-Sisko Mutanen, Sirpa Nuuttila, Jyrki Ijäs, Petteri Oksanen (Cow Chorus). Orchestra: Vivo Symphony Orchestra, cond. Kari Tikka.Animation: Pupils at Suonsalmi School, instructors Reetta Neittaanmäki and Karoliina Leisti.

ADAm VilAgiKalastaja, joka rikkoi toisten verkot (2006)The fisherman who ripped the others’ netsChildren’s opera

3 soloists (treble, tenor, bass), choir (SA), orchestra (1111 1110 01 0 str 33221)


DVD // Cast: Heli Närhi (Boy Fisher), Juha Riihimäki (Farmer), Petri Pussila (Old Fisherman), Leena Liimatainen, Mervi Rautiainen, Minna-Sisko Mutanen, Sirpa Nuuttila (Chorus).Orchestra: Vivo Symphony Orchestra, cond. Kari Tikka.Animation: Pupils at Parkumäki School, instructors Antonia Ringbom and Karoliina Leisti.

Kimmo KUoKK AlA

Geenimanipuloidun omenan aaria (2006)The aria of the genetically modified apple

tenor soloist, 4 tenors, digital soundtrack and chamber orchestra (0111 0110 02 pno str 3321)

Libretto: Pupils at Hokka School, instructor Susanna Kolehmainen (in Finnish)Duration: 4 minDistributor: FimicCommissioned by the Finnish National Opera

DVD // Cast: Juha Riihimäki (Genetically Modified Apple), Petri Myllymäki, Jyrki Torppa, Jyrki Ijäs, Petteri Oksanen (Chorus).Orchestra: Vivo Symphony Orchestra, cond. Kari Tikka. Animation: Pupils at Hokka School, instructors Antonia Ringbom and Karoliina Leisti.

mAt ti lAihoLehmä ja pilvi (2006)The cow and the cloudAnimated opera

soprano, contralto, chamber orchestra

Libretto: Pupils at Peitsari School, instructor Susanna Kolehmainen (in Finnish) Duration: 6 minCommissioned by the Finnish National Opera

DVD // Minna-Sisko Mutanen (Cow), Anu Hostikka (Cloud).Orchestra: Vivo Symphony Orchestra, cond. Kari Tikka.Animation: Pupils at Peitsari School, instructors Antonia Ringbom and Karoliina Leisti.


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Children’s operasfrom Finland

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