Toivo Kuula and the HPO made a lasting impression on the Helsinki audiences in February 1911. “The young composer has with these two concerts fully captivated the audiences of the capital region. He is its favorite child now. He has, with his compositions, struck the heart of Helsinki.” (Suomalainen kansa, 24.2.1911).
Part of the Helsinki captivation was also the Sea-Bathing Maidens, composed to lines from Eino Leino’s beloved poem collection Helkavirsiä. Oskar Merikanto’s songs also have a stronghold on Finnish hearts and landscapes of the soul.
JUKKA LINKOLA
New piece, Helsinki Variations (world premiere)
TOIVO KUULA
The Sea-Bathing Maidens
OSKAR MERIKANTO
Omenankukat
OSKAR MERIKANTO
Pai pai paitaressu
OSKAR MERIKANTO
Päivyt paistaos
JOHANNES BRAHMS
Symphony No. 1
ANJA BIHLMAIER
conductor
ANU KOMSI
soprano