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Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula July 22, 2004 Press release and photos © 2004 Finlandia University. Reprinted with permission.

Sibelius Academy concerts to feature young musicians July 28, 29, 30 at Calumet Theatre

HANCOCK -- Musicians from the Sibelius Academy of Helsinki, Finland, will be performing again this summer at the invitation of Finlandia University. The Sixth Annual Sibelius Academy Music Festival will feature three different concerts at the Calumet Theatre Wednesday through Friday, July 28, 29 and 30.

"These students represent the quality and virtuosity of the Sibelius Academy in Finland," explained Dr. Robert Ubbelohde, President of Finlandia University. "A Finlandia University panel selects musicians from a field of world-class applicants. We then bring the students to Finlandia, Chicago (Aug. 4), and Milwaukee, (Aug. 6) for public performances." 

This year's concerts will feature classical selections performed by Anna-Liisa Bezrodny, violinist, with piano accompaniment by Mathilda Kärkkäinen; Kouta Räsänen, bass baritone, with piano accompaniment by Elina Salmi; and Terji Jääskeläinen, pianist. Brahms, Sibelius, Debussy, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff will be some of the featured composers in the concert series.

Anna-Liisa Bezrodny, violinist, will perform with piano accompaniment by Mathilda Kärkkäinen at the Calumet Theatre. Bezrodny entered Sibelius Academy at age 9 and has won numerous awards. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

"Ms. Bezrodny," according to Dr. Ubbelohde, "entered the Academy at age 9 and has since been asked to perform in many countries including the Czech Republic, Germany, England, Russia, Spain and the U.S. Mr. Räsänen has performed in France, Iran, Canada and Finland; and Ms. Jääskeläinen has the distinction of being one of the youngest pianists to receive the title of 'Master of Music' at the Sibelius Academy."

The Sibelius Music Academy, founded in 1882, is the only music academy in Finland and one of the largest in Europe. In addition to providing the highest quality education in the field of music, The Academy engages in performance/creative art and also research. They have a strong commitment to foster Finland's musical culture and cultural heritage. Distinguished alumni include Osmo Vänskä, conductor of the Minneapolis Symphony; Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic; and Karita Mattila, soprano, performing artist at the Metropolitan Opera of New York.

Kouta Räsänen, bass baritone, will perform with piano accompaniment by Elina Salmi in the Calumet Theatre (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

"The positive response to our concert series in the past makes it clear there is an appreciation of and need for more great performances in our area by talented classical artists," added Dr. Ubbelohde. "The historic Calumet Theatre will be the site of our July concert series. The positive response to these performances also includes the Consulate General of Finland in New York City -- now a patron of the concert series."

Terji Jääskeläinen, pianist, will perform in the Sibelius Academy concert series at the Calumet Theatre. Jääskeläinen is one of the youngest pianists to receive the title of "Master of Music" at the Sibelius Academy. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

For more information, please contact North Wind Books, Finlandia University, at 906-487-7217 or visit the Finlandia Web site. For tickets, please call the Calumet Theatre at 906-337-2610. Calumet Theatre tickets are $17 for regular admission and $10 for students. Tickets for the Milwaukee and Chicago performances may be purchased in advance at North Wind Books (906-487-7217). If you prefer to order them on-line, use the order form at Finlandia University's web-site.